Dementia: What is it?

Dementia — What Is It?

Dementia isn’t one single disease — it’s an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily living. Underneath that umbrella, there are over 100 types of dementia, all characterized by damage to brain cells that interrupts how parts of the brain communicate.

Some of the most common types are:

• Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for about 60–80% of cases, caused by abnormal protein buildups that kill brain cells.

• Vascular dementia, driven by reduced blood flow in the brain, often following small strokes.

• Lewy body dementia, which may bring visual hallucinations and changes in movement.

• Frontotemporal dementia, which tends to affect personality, language, and judgment early on.

• Mixed dementia, a combination of types (often Alzheimer’s plus vascular) in one person.

The Progressive Nature of Dementia

All forms of dementia are progressive — meaning symptoms worsen over time. In the early stages, signs can be subtle: misplacing items, repeating questions, or having trouble finishing familiar tasks. As the disease advances, changes may show up in communication, judgment, and a person’s ability to live independently.

It’s vital to remember: the person isn’t being difficult — their brain is changing.

Understanding “Behaviors”

What we often label as “behaviors” — resistance, anger, confusion — are actually symptoms: new ways the brain is expressing unmet needs. When someone resists, lashes out, or seems disoriented, it may mean they feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or unseen.

Every action is communication. When we respond with patience, empathy, and curiosity rather than frustration, we honor the person’s humanity.

Four Major Symptom Categories

These categories overlap, but they help us understand what a person may experience.

A. Cognitive & Memory Changes

Forgetfulness, losing track of time or place, and misplacing items are common early signs — often the first things family members notice.

B. Communication & Comprehension Difficulties

Someone might struggle to find the right words, follow conversations, or stay engaged socially because communication becomes tiring and frustrating.

C. Judgment, Planning & Daily Functioning

Tasks like managing finances, scheduling appointments, or cooking meals may grow harder. Declines in reasoning, organization, and decision-making become noticeable.

D. Emotional & Personality Changes

Mood swings, anxiety, suspicion, apathy, or loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities can arise. These are expressions of unmet needs, not intentional misbehavior.

A Voice from Experience: Debbi McCune

Debbi McCune, a passionate dementia advocate and care partner, speaks from lived experience. As she shared in an interview during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month:

“You’ve been a care partner for so long … it’s — I don’t know who I’ll be that day when I’m no longer that.” 

Her journey underscores an important truth: this is often a long goodbye, where small pieces of a shared life quietly slip away. Yet Debbi also encourages hope and connection — she urges families to seek out support groups and begin conversations early, so no one has to walk this path alone. 

At Living Well With Dementia Sisters, Debbi serves as a guide for those navigating the dementia journey. She combines her professional training (as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori dementia care expert) with her deep compassion as a care partner. 

Moving Forward with Courage

Dementia is hard. Yet when we face it with kindness, education, and support, we can change its story. We can see the person behind the diagnosis. We can learn to listen to behaviors as communication. We can build a network of care and compassion.

If you or a loved one are facing dementia, you don’t have to go it alone. Celebrate the small moments, adapt your expectations, and lean into support — because even in the face of loss, connection and dignity can remain.