Understanding the Types and Stages of Dementia

If you’ve recently heard the word “dementia” in connection with someone you love, it’s natural to have questions — a lot of them. What kind does my loved one have? How will it progress? What will care look like down the road?

At Encore Memory Care at Bolingbrook, we hear these questions every day, and we believe informed families are better equipped to make decisions that truly serve their loved one’s well-being.

Let’s walk through the different types of dementia, how they compare, and what care typically looks like at each stage.

So, What Are the Types of Dementia?

“Dementia” is an umbrella term, not a single disease. It refers to a group of symptoms — memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating — that are caused by specific underlying conditions. There are actually several types of dementia, and each one has its own patterns, progression, and care considerations.

• Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common type of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of all cases. It’s characterized by a gradual buildup of plaques and tangles in the brain that disrupt memory and cognitive function over time. Most people notice it first as forgetfulness — misplacing things, repeating questions — before it progresses to deeper confusion and loss of independence.
• Vascular dementia is the second most common type and is often caused by strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which tends to decline gradually, vascular dementia can worsen in noticeable “steps” following each vascular event.
• Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It shares features with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which is part of what makes it so complex. People with Lewy body dementia often experience visual hallucinations, significant sleep disturbances, and changes in alertness.
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) tends to affect people at a younger age — sometimes in their 50s — and primarily impacts personality, behavior, and language rather than memory in the early stages. This can make it harder to recognize initially.
• Mixed dementia is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of two or more types, most commonly Alzheimer’s paired with vascular dementia. Research suggests this may actually be quite common, especially in older adults.

The Overlap Between Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease

It’s worth taking a moment to talk about Parkinson’s disease, because many families are surprised to learn how closely it can intersect with dementia. Parkinson’s disease dementia develops in a significant number of people with Parkinson’s as the disease progresses, and as noted above, Lewy body dementia shares biological features with Parkinson’s.

Both involve Lewy body protein deposits, and individuals with either condition may experience movement difficulties alongside cognitive decline. This overlap can complicate diagnosis and underscores why specialized, individualized care matters so much.

What Are the Stages of Dementia?

Knowing how many stages of dementia there are — and what each one looks like — helps families plan ahead. Most clinicians refer to three broad dementia stages: early, middle, and late.

• Early-stage dementia is often when families first notice something is off. A person in the first stages of dementia may repeat themselves, struggle to find words, get confused about dates, or have difficulty managing finances. They can typically still live semi-independently but may need reminders and light support. At this stage, social engagement and cognitive stimulation are especially valuable.
• Mid-stage dementia brings more significant changes. Your loved one may struggle to recognize familiar people, need help with bathing and dressing, experience mood swings or agitation, and become increasingly confused about time and place. This is often when families begin looking at dedicated memory care communities, although Encore Memory Care at Bolingbrook accommodates residents at each stage.
• Late-stage dementia — the last stage of dementia — involves profound cognitive and physical decline. Round-the-clock support is essential for mobility, eating, communication, and personal hygiene. Comfort, dignity, and maintaining a calm, familiar environment become the primary care priorities.

How Encore Memory Care at Bolingbrook Supports Every Stage

At Encore Memory Care at Bolingbrook, we provide full-time residential care for people living with early, mid-stage, and advanced Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as short-term respite care for family caregivers who need a well-deserved break. Our licensed nurses and specially trained personal care assistants are on-site around the clock, providing medication management, frequent security checks, and daily assistance tailored to each resident’s needs.

Our licensed nurses and personal care assistants, all of whom have specialized training in caring for people with memory loss, are on-site around the clock. They provide daily assistance, medication management, frequent check-ins, and customized care plans coordinated with your loved one’s healthcare providers. On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy services are also available.

What sets our approach apart is the belief that caring for people with memory loss is as much about understanding who they are as it is about meeting their day-to-day needs. We take time to learn each resident’s story — their history, their interests, the things that have always brought them joy — and we use that knowledge to guide their care. Our team proactively looks for opportunities to create happiness: drawing on retained abilities, minimizing deficits, and inviting residents into activities that help them feel capable, connected, and like themselves.

Whether it’s listening to a favorite song, working in the garden, creating art, or simply folding towels alongside a familiar face, these small, meaningful moments matter deeply. Our thoughtfully designed neighborhoods are bright, clean, and homelike, and our fully enclosed outdoor courtyards give residents a secure place to enjoy fresh air and connection every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Types and Stages