Causes and types of dementia
Dementia isn’t one single disease. Instead, the term ‘dementia’ describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. There are over 100 conditions that can lead to the signs and symptoms of dementia. Here are some of the most common types of dementia and conditions that can lead to dementia.
Dementia Action Week
21-27 September
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but it’s not talked about nearly enough. This Dementia Action Week, we’re asking every Australian to help change that, one conversation at a time.
- Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects memory, thinking and behaviour. Learn about its causes, symptoms, stages and treatment.
- Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by damage from restricted blood flow to the brain. Learn about vascular dementia, its causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Young onset dementia
If you're under 65 when you're diagnosed with dementia, your experience and needs can be very different.
Dementia Australia is here for you. Visit our young onset section to find information, advice and support tailored for you.
- Lewy body dementias
“Lewy body dementias” is an umbrella term describing two forms of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
- Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is a condition affecting the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. Learn about frontotemporal dementia and its symptoms, causes and treatment.
- Alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI)
Regularly consuming alcohol at risky levels damages your brain. Learn about alcohol-related brain injury, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
- HIV-associated dementia
HIV-associated dementia is a brain condition linked to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) dementia is a brain condition caused by repeated knocks to the head. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment.
- Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (BiTBI)
Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (BiTBI) occurs when the brain is injured by pressure waves generated by explosions. Learn its causes, symptoms and treatments.
- Childhood dementia
Dementia is usually associated with adults. But young children and teenagers can develop dementia too. Learn about its symptoms and diagnosis, and find support.
- Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
There is a link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Find out more about Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome and learn where to find support.
- Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) involves the loss and dysfunction of brain cells, particularly at the posterior (back) of the brain.
- Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE)
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a recently defined cause of dementia. Similar to other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, it causes problems with memory and thinking but has different underlying causes.
