What should you know about different types of dementia?

Dementia has several forms, and each can affect memory, language, movement, behaviour or planning in a different pattern. Alzheimer’s disease often begins with memory changes; vascular dementia may follow blood-vessel injury and affect thinking or walking; Lewy body dementia can involve fluctuations, visual hallucinations and movement changes; frontotemporal dementia may begin with personality, behaviour or language changes. Mixed forms can occur.

Memory problems are common in dementia but are not the only feature. The timing of symptoms, changes in everyday tasks, medicines, mood, sleep, hearing and vision all help clinicians understand what is happening. Urinary incontinence may occur in some neurological conditions, but it has many other possible causes and does not identify a dementia type by itself. A diagnosis is based on a full history and examination rather than one symptom.

Write down examples of changes, when they began and whether they fluctuate. Bring a current medicine list and, if the person agrees, involve someone who knows their usual abilities. A GP Consultation can check reversible contributors and arrange further assessment. A Mental Health Assessment may help explore mood, behaviour and thinking. Practical support includes routines, labelled storage, medication supervision and reducing trip hazards.

Sudden confusion, new weakness, trouble speaking, collapse, severe headache or a rapid change in behaviour needs urgent medical assessment rather than a routine dementia review. Seek prompt advice for repeated falls, unsafe wandering, inability to eat or drink, or new loss of bladder control. Gradual changes still merit an appointment because earlier clarification can guide safety planning.

Ask which abilities have changed, what tests or scans may clarify the pattern, and which causes can be treated. Ask how to support independence safely, what warning signs to monitor and who should be contacted if daily care becomes difficult.