Key Differences in Dementia Types (and MCI)

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Overview: The most common dementia (60–80% of cases). Caused by buildup of plaques and tangles in the brain.
Early symptoms: Short-term memory loss (forgetting recent conversations, repeating questions), misplacing things, word-finding problems, difficulty planning or organizing.
Later symptoms: Disorientation, confusion, behavior changes, poor judgment, difficulty walking or swallowing.
Progression: Gradual and steady decline over years.
Caregiver note: You’ll often see memory problems first, with increasing reliance on you for daily tasks as time goes on.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Overview: Less common, but the most frequent dementia in people under 65. Affects the brain’s frontal (behavior, judgment) and temporal (language, emotion) lobes.
Early symptoms: Big personality or behavior changes (impulsive, apathetic, socially inappropriate). May also show strong language difficulties (can’t find words, trouble speaking or understanding).
Memory: Usually preserved in the beginning.
Progression: Faster than Alzheimer’s in many cases, leading to major communication and daily function problems.
Caregiver note: Loved one may “seem like a different person” early on. Behavior and speech changes can be very challenging, even before memory loss.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Overview: Caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that affect brain chemicals. Often overlaps with Parkinson’s disease.
Early symptoms:
- Cognition: Fluctuations in thinking and alertness — good days and bad days.
- Perception: Vivid visual hallucinations are common.
- Sleep: Acting out dreams, severe sleep disturbances.
- Movement: Parkinson-like symptoms (stiffness, tremors, slow movement).
Progression: Variable; symptoms can change daily or weekly.
Caregiver note: Expect ups and downs — your loved one might be very alert one day and very confused the next. Hallucinations can feel very real to them.

Vascular Dementia (VaD)

Overview: Second most common dementia. Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (strokes, small vessel disease, or other vascular issues).
Early symptoms: Trouble with problem-solving, reasoning, slowed thinking, disorganization. Memory loss may not show up first.
Course: Progresses in “steps” — sudden decline after a stroke or “mini-stroke,” then plateaus, then another decline.
Other signs: Trouble with walking, balance, or bladder control may appear early.
Caregiver note: May notice sharp changes after a health event. Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health can help slow progression.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Overview: Not dementia, but an in-between stage. About 10–15% of people with MCI progress to dementia each year.
Signs:
- More forgetful than peers of the same age.
- Trouble with planning, problem-solving, or attention.
- Still able to manage daily life independently.
Subtypes:
- Amnestic MCI – mostly memory problems (often a precursor to Alzheimer’s).
- Non-amnestic MCI – issues with attention, language, or visual-spatial skills.
Caregiver note: People with MCI often know they’re having problems and may feel frustrated. Support, monitoring, and healthy lifestyle changes are important.