Not All Memory Loss Is Alzheimer’s

When someone starts forgetting names or losing track of conversations, most families think Alzheimer’s. But dementia isn’t one single disease; it’s a group of conditions that cause memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking or behavior.

Understanding which type of dementia a loved one has helps families find the right memory support program, resources, and approach to care.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, responsible for about 70% of cases. It develops when proteins called amyloid and tau build up and damage brain cells, especially in areas that manage short-term memory.

In everyday life, this might look like misplaced items, repeated questions, or forgetting recent events. Research shows these short-term memory changes can appear years before diagnosis.

Solim Tip for Caregivers: When forgetfulness starts disrupting daily routines instead of just moments, it may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s rather than normal aging.

2. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced, often after small strokes or heart problems. Unlike Alzheimer’s, it may begin with slower thinking or problem-solving before major memory loss appears.

Prevention is closely tied to overall heart health. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control can lower risk.

Solim Tip for Caregivers: If a loved one becomes suddenly confused or seems to decline in “steps” after a medical event, vascular dementia could be a factor.

3. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Lewy body dementia shares traits with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It involves abnormal protein deposits that affect movement, focus, and short-term memory.

You might notice vivid dreams, visual hallucinations, or fluctuating attention that feels sharp one moment and foggy the next.

Solim Tip for Caregivers: Sudden shifts in alertness or seeing things that aren’t there can point to Lewy body dementia, a lesser-known cause of memory and focus changes.

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, the regions responsible for judgment, personality, and language. Memory may stay relatively intact at first, but behavior and communication often change dramatically.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, FTD can appear decades earlier, sometimes in the 40s or 50s.

Solim Tip for Caregivers: When someone begins acting out of character, showing poor judgment, or losing empathy, it may be frontotemporal dementia rather than stress or burnout.

Other Types of Dementia

Other, less common forms include Parkinson’s-related dementia, mixed dementia, and Huntington’s disease. Each has its own pattern, but early recognition and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.

When to Seek Help and How Support Can Begin Early

If memory loss, confusion, or behavior changes persist, it’s important to seek medical evaluation early. Early diagnosis helps families plan ahead, access resources, and explore programs that promote cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

One gentle, evidence-based approach is reminiscence therapy, which uses photos, stories, and familiar scenes to spark memory and connection. For people living with Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia, reminiscence therapy may help maintain memory function and emotional connection.

At Solim Health, our certified dementia practitioner-led reminiscence therapy uses AI-powered visuals to help bring meaningful memories to life. These sessions foster comfort, recognition, and connection, one memory at a time.

To learn more about reminiscence therapy, explore our memory support options, or read about early interventions for dementia, visit www.solimhealth.com.