Information supplied by NHS England
Types of dementia other than Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is commonly caused by a stroke or a series of small strokes, where brain
cells are deprived of oxygen and die. This can occur in distinct parts of the brain, leaving
other areas relatively unaffected. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether people have
Alzheimer's or vascular dementia and it is not unusual to have a mixed form.
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia may progress in a 'stepped' manner.
Symptoms may suddenly worsen due to stroke and then remain the same for some time.
Months or years later, if another stroke occurs, symptoms can worsen again. However,
when vascular dementia has been caused by several smaller strokes, a more gradual
progression of symptoms is likely. Importantly, if the person does not experience any
additional strokes their symptoms may not worsen over time.
People with vascular dementia tend to maintain their personality and more normal emotions
until the later stages. This sometimes means that people with vascular dementia are more
aware of their condition than people with Alzheimer's disease.
On average, people with vascular dementia live for around five years after symptoms begin.
In many cases, the person's death will be caused by a stroke or heart attack.
Fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick's disease)
This type of dementia is caused by damage to areas of the brain responsible for behaviour,
emotional responses and language.
During the early stages, memory for recent events may be unaffected but there may be other
changes. For example, the disease may cause some people to appear uncharacteristically
selfish and rude, or more easily distracted. Other symptoms can include loss of inhibition,
ritualised behaviour or compulsions and a liking for sweet foods.
In later stages the symptoms are more similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease. On
average people live for six to eight years after symptoms begin.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
This type of dementia gets its name from the deposits found in the brains of people with the
condition, which cause degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain.
Half or more of those affected also develop signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease,
such as slowness of movement, stiffness and tremor. They may also have difficulty in
judging distances and are more prone to falls and fainting. People with this type of dementia
also commonly experience visual hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, in the early stages of Lewy body dementia the abilities of the
affected person often fluctuate drastically from day to day, or even during the course of a
single day. This can often be puzzling for those around them.
In the later stages, the symptoms are often very similar to those experienced in Alzheimer's
disease.
After the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies begin, people live on average for six to
twelve years.
If you’re worried about someone you care about encourage them to see their GP.
ENDS