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Dementia care

The Types of Dementia Explained (2026)

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Claire Saltwater25 August 2026
Types of dementia explained — Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body and more, 2026.

"Dementia" is an umbrella term for a set of conditions that affect memory, thinking and behaviour. There are several types, and knowing which one helps make sense of the symptoms.

How common is each type?

The main types of dementia Approximate share of cases (Alzheimer’s Society) Alzheimer’s 62Vascular 17Mixed 10Lewy body 4Frontotemporal 2Figures are approximate; many people have "mixed" dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common type.

Alzheimer’s vs vascular dementia

The two most common types Alzheimer’s disease• Gradual, steady decline• Memory usually affected first• Caused by changes in the brain• Most common type Vascular dementia• Can progress in "steps"• Linked to blood supply to the brain• Often follows strokes• Second most common
Symptoms overlap, and "mixed" dementia (more than one type) is common.

Other types to know

  • Lewy body dementia — movement problems, visual hallucinations, alertness that varies day to day.
  • Frontotemporal dementia — often younger onset; changes to personality, behaviour or language.
This is general information to help families, not medical advice. If you’re worried about someone, speak to a GP. Different types respond to different treatments, so a proper diagnosis matters.
💬 Looking for specialist dementia care? Find dementia care homes near you on AskBart, with CQC ratings and guide prices — or ask Bart for help.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Dementia is the umbrella term for the symptoms; Alzheimer’s is the specific disease that most often causes them.

Can you have more than one type?

Yes — "mixed dementia", most often Alzheimer’s together with vascular dementia, is common.

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Claire Saltwater

Editor · AskBart

Claire Saltwater is AskBart's Editor and a care-home industry veteran. One of AskBart's earliest team members, she has spent years working in and around social care — so she understands first-hand the difficult, often overwhelming decisions families face when choosing a care home. Claire writes and edits AskBart's advice guides with one goal: clear, genuinely independent information, free of jargon and sales pressure. Away from her desk she loves a good farmers' market and time with her two young children.

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