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Types of Dementia: Understanding the Differences to Support Your Loved One

When someone you care about starts forgetting things or behaving differently, it can be hard to know what’s going on. You might feel confused, even a little scared, and if you do, you’re not alone. Dementia touches the lives of thousands of families, each facing a journey that’s as unique as the person affected.

At Eximius Support, we know how important it is to understand what’s happening. Knowing the type of dementia a loved one is living with can help you make sense of their experience and give you the tools to support them with confidence and kindness. In this article, we’ll gently guide you through the most common types of dementia—what they are, what to look out for, and how you can help your loved one live life with dignity and comfort.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia isn’t one single condition. It’s an umbrella term for changes in the brain that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and everyday life. It’s more than forgetfulness. It can touch how someone speaks, moves, or connects with others.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But understanding what’s going on is the first step toward making things a little easier—for both you and the person you love.

Alzheimer’s Disease – The Most Common Form

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It usually starts gradually. Maybe your loved one forgets recent conversations or misplaces familiar things. Over time, it can get harder for them to manage day-to-day tasks, recognise people, or express themselves clearly.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect memory. It can change someone’s mood or personality, making them feel anxious or withdrawn. A calm, predictable routine and lots of patience can help someone with Alzheimer’s feel more settled and secure.

Vascular Dementia – Often Linked to Strokes

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes. You might notice changes in concentration, problem-solving, or planning. Some people also experience physical symptoms, like weakness or problems with balance.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, the changes can come on more suddenly. Managing underlying health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can help slow things down. But just like any form of dementia, emotional support and encouragement can make all the difference.

Lewy Body Dementia – When Symptoms Change from Day to Day

Lewy body dementia can be unpredictable. One day your loved one may seem like themselves; the next, they might feel confused or see things that aren’t there. It’s linked to tiny protein deposits in the brain and can also cause stiffness or shakiness, a bit like Parkinson’s disease.

It’s not always easy to manage, especially when symptoms change from hour to hour. But a gentle routine, familiar surroundings, and lots of reassurance can really help.

Frontotemporal Dementia – Changes in Personality and Behaviour

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) often appears earlier in life, sometimes in a person’s 50s or 60s. Instead of memory loss, the first signs might be a change in how someone behaves. They might say inappropriate things, lose interest in others, or struggle to find the right words.

This kind of dementia can be especially hard for families, as it changes how someone relates to the people around them. Clear communication, patience, and emotional support are essential.

Mixed Dementia – A Combination of Changes

Sometimes, more than one type of dementia is present at the same time—most commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. This is called mixed dementia. It means symptoms may overlap or appear differently over time.

That’s why personalised care matters so much. It’s about looking beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the person—who they are, what they love, and how we can help them live meaningfully every day.

How You Can Support a Loved One with Dementia

There’s no perfect way to care for someone with dementia, and that’s okay. What matters most is love, patience, and understanding. Here are some simple things that really help:

Stick to a calm, predictable routine.
Use gentle reminders and memory aids—like photos or notes.
Encourage connection through music, touch, or conversation.
Be kind to yourself. This journey isn’t easy, but you’re doing your best.

No two people are the same. That’s why care needs to be flexible and built around the person, not the condition.

How Eximius Support Can Help

At Eximius Support, we’re more than carers; we’re companions, listeners, and an extra pair of hands when you need them most. Our live-in care means your loved one can stay in the place they know best—their own home—while receiving round-the-clock, personalised support.

We help with:

Daily tasks like washing, dressing, and preparing meals
Creating a safe and comforting home environment
Supporting memory and communication
Offering companionship and emotional reassurance

Our carers are carefully chosen not just for their experience but for their warmth and kindness. We believe in building relationships that bring trust and joy.

Dementia changes life—but it doesn’t erase the person you love. With the right understanding and compassionate support, your loved one can continue to live with dignity, purpose, and connection.

Whether they’re living with Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, or another type, you don’t have to face it alone. If you’d like to find out how our live-in care can support your family, we’d love to hear from you. Just reach out to us here.