{"id":44809,"date":"2026-02-23T14:10:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T14:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/from-alzheimers-to-lewy-body-understanding-common-dementia-variants\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T14:10:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T14:10:46","slug":"from-alzheimers-to-lewy-body-understanding-common-dementia-variants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/from-alzheimers-to-lewy-body-understanding-common-dementia-variants\/","title":{"rendered":"From Alzheimer\u2019s to Lewy Body: Understanding Common Dementia Variants"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, many people\u00a0immediately\u00a0think of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. While it is the most well-known, the term &#8220;dementia&#8221;\u00a0actually covers\u00a0a wide range of specific medical conditions. Understanding the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/a-closer-look-at-different-dementia-syndromes\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">most<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">common dementia variants<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is crucial for families because each type affects the brain differently, leading to unique symptoms, progression rates, and management strategies. Getting\u00a0an accurate\u00a0diagnosis is the first step toward creating an effective care plan. This guide will walk you through several major types of dementia to provide clarity on this complex group of disorders.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit the best\u00a0<\/span><\/i><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mental Health Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health &amp; Wellness\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">or log on to<\/span><\/i><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.doralhw.org<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to\u00a0know more.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">An Overview of Common Dementia Variants<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While all types of dementia involve cognitive decline that interferes with daily life, their underlying causes and hallmark symptoms can differ significantly. A correct diagnosis from a medical professional is essential for proper care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/alzheimers-disease\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Accounting for an estimated 60-80% of cases, Alzheimer&#8217;s is the most frequent cause of dementia. It is caused by the buildup of protein plaques and tangles in the brain, which disrupts communication between nerve cells.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key Symptoms:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The primary early symptom is difficulty recalling\u00a0new information. As it progresses, individuals experience disorientation, mood and behavior changes, confusion about events, and trouble with speaking, swallowing, and walking.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This is one of the more common dementia variants after Alzheimer&#8217;s.\u00a0It&#8217;s\u00a0caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that\u00a0form in\u00a0nerve cells. These deposits affect brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and motor control.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key Symptoms:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0LBD is unique in that it often presents with significant fluctuations in attention and alertness, recurrent visual hallucinations, and spontaneous Parkinson&#8217;s-like motor symptoms, such as rigidity or tremors.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/vascular-dementia-common-signs-and-symptoms\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Vascular Dementia<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This form of dementia results from brain damage caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, often following a major stroke or a series of smaller, unnoticed strokes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key Symptoms:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually. Unlike Alzheimer&#8217;s, problems with judgment, planning, and decision-making (executive functions) are often more prominent than memory loss in the\u00a0early stages.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/frontotemporal-dementia-explained-why-it-happens-and-whos-at-risk\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">FTD refers to a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost. This causes the lobes to shrink. FTD tends to affect people at a younger age, often between 40 and 65.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key Symptoms:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Because it\u00a0impacts\u00a0the brain&#8217;s personality and language centers, early signs are typically dramatic shifts in personality, socially inappropriate behavior, apathy, or a progressive loss of language ability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Knowing the specific type of dementia is critical because treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Some medications used for Alzheimer&#8217;s can be harmful to individuals with Lewy Body Dementia.\u00a0An accurate\u00a0diagnosis from a behavioral health specialist allows for a tailored treatment plan that can more effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are in the New York area,\u00a0the Doral Health &amp; Wellness Mental Health Department\u00a0in Brooklyn can provide access to neurologists and specialists who can perform the comprehensive testing needed for a precise diagnosis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/faqs-on-dementia-diagnosis-and-living-well\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Professional Guidance Is Key<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Navigating the complexities of dementia requires expert support. A behavioral health specialist can not only help with the\u00a0initial\u00a0diagnosis but also offer strategies for managing challenging behaviors and provide crucial support for caregivers. They are an invaluable resource for families throughout the entire journey.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While the term dementia can be frightening, understanding the different forms it can take is empowering. Recognizing that not all cognitive decline is Alzheimer&#8217;s opens the door to more specific and effective care strategies. By learning about the common dementia variants, families can better advocate for their loved ones and prepare for the road ahead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are noticing concerning changes in a loved one,\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0try to diagnose them on your own. Schedule a consultation with a qualified professional. A reputable mental health clinic in Brooklyn or a specialist near you can\u00a0provide\u00a0the answers and support your family needs.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For further inquiries, call us\u00a0on\u00a0+<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">1-<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">718-367-2555<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to get a consultation.<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Or<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0log on to<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">www.doralw.org.<\/span><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with us at\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dementia isn&#8217;t one-size-fits-all. Explore the most common dementia variants, from Alzheimer&#8217;s to Lewy Body, to better understand symptoms and treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":44810,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[373],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44809"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44809\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}