Today there are many forms of dementia, and their symptoms differ. Knowing the type matters because some causes are reversible with the right treatment. A neurologist from Lahta Clinic, Andrey Shkarovsky, explains that certain forms can start with behaviors that catch families off guard, such as jokes that feel childish. By looking beyond memory loss, doctors can identify specific conditions earlier and tailor care accordingly.
Frontotemporal dementia often looks different from the typical neurocognitive picture. It tends to hit behavior and speech first while memory remains relatively preserved in the early stages. A patient might appear sloppy, use a limited vocabulary, and speak in ways that seem childish or coarse. The person may show reduced insight into their own situation and weaker judgment about daily life, a change noticed by relatives and caregivers.
Dementia with Lewy bodies shows its own daily rhythm. In many cases the morning is relatively smooth, but the evening brings sharper cognitive difficulties. Classic signs include vivid visual experiences that feel real, especially later in the day or during the night, along with fluctuations in attention and movement.
Vascular cognitive disorders often arise after a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. The symptoms align with the brain areas affected, and decline can occur in steps or progress quickly. Because damage can resemble several other forms, accurate diagnosis may require imaging studies and careful clinical evaluation to distinguish vascular dementia from alternatives.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid flow is impaired, leading to enlarged brain ventricles. The resulting cognitive changes can resemble Alzheimer’s disease, but there are often accompanying signs. Problems with walking and changes in gait, as well as bladder issues, help distinguish NPH from other dementias. In some patients, recognizing NPH leads to effective treatment such as shunt procedures that improve thinking and mobility.
Smoking and brain health have long been linked, with research showing that tobacco use can influence brain volume and cognitive performance over time. This connection underscores the role of lifestyle factors in managing dementia risk and highlights the importance of protecting brain health through habits and medical care.