The main types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia. The NHS says Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, and together with vascular dementia makes up the majority of cases. Each type has a different cause, and the symptoms depend on which parts of the brain are affected. The Lift College Dementia Awareness Training course covers how dementia affects a person.
Alzheimer's disease
The most common type. The NHS says it is thought to be caused by an abnormal build-up of the proteins amyloid and tau in the brain. Memory problems are usually one of the earliest symptoms. See our guide to dementia and Alzheimer's.
Vascular dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells. The NHS estimates it affects around 180,000 people in the UK. It can follow narrowing and blockage of small blood vessels in the brain, a single stroke, or many "mini strokes". Symptoms can start suddenly or slowly, and include slowness of thought, difficulty planning and understanding, problems concentrating, mood or behaviour changes, confusion, and difficulty walking and keeping balance. The NHS says if it is found early, treatment may stop it getting worse or slow it down.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Also called Lewy body dementia, and one of the most common types, according to the NHS. Lewy bodies are tiny clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein inside brain cells. It is closely related to Parkinson's disease, and symptoms can include problems with thinking and judgement, confusion or sleepiness that changes over minutes or hours, slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors.
Frontotemporal dementia
An uncommon type that causes problems with behaviour and language. It affects the front and sides of the brain, and most cases are diagnosed between 45 and 65. Memory problems tend to come later than in more common forms. The NHS says there is often a genetic link.
Mixed dementia
More than one type at the same time. The NHS says Alzheimer's disease with vascular dementia is the most common combination.
Rarer causes
The NHS lists rarer diseases that can lead to dementia or dementia-like symptoms, including Huntington's disease, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Mild cognitive impairment is not a cause of dementia, but some people with it are at increased risk of developing dementia.
Getting a diagnosis
If you are worried about your own memory or someone else's, the NHS says to see a GP, and to encourage the other person to make an appointment, perhaps going with them. A GP can refer someone to a memory clinic or specialist for tests.
Training
Lift College Dementia Awareness Training is 1.5 hours in 5 modules, with a CPD Standards Office accredited certificate the same day you pass. For a regulated qualification, see the Level 2 Certificate in Dementia Care.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of dementia are there?
What is vascular dementia?
What is Lewy body dementia?
What is frontotemporal dementia?
What is the most common type of dementia?
What is mixed dementia?
Sources checked
- NHS: Causes of dementia (checked 14 November 2026)
- NHS: What is dementia? (checked 14 November 2026)
- NHS: Alzheimer's disease (checked 14 November 2026)
- NHS: Vascular dementia (checked 14 November 2026)
- NHS: Dementia with Lewy bodies (checked 14 November 2026)
- NHS: Frontotemporal dementia (checked 14 November 2026)
- Lift College: Dementia Awareness Training (checked 14 November 2026)