When a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss, it’s natural for families to assume it might be Alzheimer’s. But Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia, albeit the most well-known. In reality, there are several distinct forms of dementia, each with its own causes, symptoms, progression, and care needs.
Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s and other dementias can make all the difference when planning for care and support.
At Kensington Park, we’re here to help families recognize these differences and explore the many types of dementia care available to meet each individual’s unique journey.
Let’s explore what sets Alzheimer’s apart, what distinguishes other forms of dementia, and how families can navigate this challenging landscape with confidence and compassion.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome, a group of symptoms that affect cognitive functioning. These symptoms typically include memory loss, confusion, communication difficulties, and changes in behavior and judgment.
There are multiple causes of dementia. Some are progressive, like Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia, while others may be reversible with proper treatment, such as those caused by medication interactions or vitamin deficiencies.
What unites the various forms of dementia is their impact on a person’s ability to manage everyday life and remain safe without support.
Alzheimer’s Disease: The Most Common Type of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60–80% of dementia cases. It’s a progressive brain disorder characterized by the accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brain, which disrupt communication between nerve cells and eventually cause cell death.
Key characteristics of Alzheimer’s include:
- Short-term memory loss, often the first noticeable symptom
- Disorientation with time and place
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Changes in mood and personality
- Gradual and consistent decline over several years
Alzheimer’s typically progresses through stages—early, middle, and late—each requiring a deeper level of care and support. Because of its familiarity, families often feel more equipped to recognize Alzheimer’s symptoms than other, lesser-known dementias.
Other Common Types of Dementia
Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s and other dementias can help families select the appropriate care, especially in the earlier stages when symptoms may overlap.
Here are a few of the most common forms:
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common form and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of small strokes.
Symptoms may include:
- Impaired judgment or decision-making
- Difficulty organizing or planning
- Sudden or step-like cognitive decline
- Physical symptoms like weakness or imbalance
While memory loss may still occur, it’s often less pronounced in the early stages than in Alzheimer’s. Managing underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes is essential in vascular dementia care.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy body dementia is associated with abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. It shares characteristics with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Common features include:
- Fluctuating alertness and attention
- Visual hallucinations
- Motor symptoms such as stiffness or tremors
- Sleep disturbances, especially vivid dreams or acting out during sleep
LBD can be especially challenging to diagnose and manage. At Kensington Park, we tailor our types of dementia care to account for these complex and fluctuating symptoms, offering calm and structured support.
Learn more about Lewy body dementia from the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is caused by damage to the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain and typically occurs earlier in life, often between the ages of 45 and 65.
Symptoms may include:
- Personality changes
- Inappropriate social behavior
- Language difficulties (speech or comprehension)
- Apathy or lack of empathy
Because of its earlier onset and behavioral focus, FTD can be distressing and confusing for families.
At Kensington Park, we offer person-centered care that preserves dignity and routine, even in the face of personality shifts.
Why Dementia Type Matters in Care
Each form of dementia affects the brain in a different way. This means that a one-size-fits-all approach to care simply doesn’t work. Understanding the type of dementia your loved one has can shape every aspect of their care journey, from safety measures and communication to nutrition and enrichment.
At Kensington Park, our memory care neighborhoods—Connections and Haven—are designed to accommodate varying stages and types of dementia. We adjust routines, activities, and interactions based on each resident’s cognitive profile, and we embrace every individual with compassion and curiosity.
We also offer The Kensington Club, a program specifically designed for early-stage memory loss. This provides cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and social engagement to help delay further progression and maintain independence.
Individualized Memory Care at Kensington Park
What sets Kensington Park apart in the landscape of types of dementia care is our unwavering commitment to personalized support. We don’t just treat the disease, we honor the whole person.
Here’s how we make that happen:
- 24/7 licensed nursing care
- Team members trained in Positive Approach to Care™ by dementia expert Teepa Snow
- Daily enrichment programs tailored to cognitive ability and interests
- Therapies including art, music, pet, and aroma therapy
- Secure environments with beautiful, calming design
- Family engagement and education at every step
Every resident is supported with dignity, warmth, and the flexibility to meet their changing needs.
Learn more about our Memory Care services.
Supporting the Family Journey
Dementia doesn’t only impact the person experiencing it, but it touches the entire family. From caregiving burnout to difficult decisions about transitions, families need just as much support and guidance as their loved ones.
Kensington Park provides access to support groups, educational events, and care consultations. We also maintain close communication with families so they can be informed, involved, and empowered throughout the process.
If you’re unsure which type of dementia your loved one may have, we can connect you with specialists for further evaluation and collaborate to build the right care plan.
Discover the Right Care Path at Kensington Park
Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, LBD, or another form of cognitive decline, our team at Kensington Park is ready to meet you where you are. We invite you to contact us for a conversation or tour.
Together, we can build a care journey grounded in respect, purpose, and love.