Types of dementia

Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of neurological conditions, of which the major symptom includes a global decline in brain function.

Dementia was a relatively rare occurrence before the 20th century as fewer people lived to old age in pre-industrial society. It was not until the mid 1970s that dementia began to be described as we know it today.

We now know dementia is a disease symptom, and not a normal part of ageing.

There are over 100 diseases that may cause dementia. The most common causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

The most common types of dementia are:

– Alzheimer’s disease

– Vascular dementia

– Lewy body disease

– Frontotemporal dementia

– Mixed dementia

– Parkinson’s disease dementia

– Early onset dementia