Dementia: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Medically reviewed

Guga Sikharulidze

·

Psychiatrist, MD, PhD

Last updated: 14 February, 2026

What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term that describes a level of decline in cognitive functions (thinking, memory, reasoning) that significantly interferes with everyday life. Early diagnosis is important.

Types of dementia

Alzheimer’s disease

The most common form (60–70%), characterized by gradual, progressive memory loss. [1]

Vascular dementia

Caused by impaired blood circulation in the brain — as a result of stroke.

Lewy body dementia

Visual hallucinations, fluctuations in cognitive function, parkinsonian symptoms.

Frontotemporal dementia

Changes in personality and disruptive behavior. It often begins between the ages of 45 and 65.

Symptoms of dementia

Early signs

Difficulty remembering new information, getting lost in familiar places, problems managing financial affairs, and changes in personality.

Progressive symptoms

Difficulty recognizing people, disorientation, worsening speech, and behavioral changes such as aggression, agitation, and sleep disturbances.

Treatment and management

Medication treatment

Medicines are selected according to dementia type and severity. For example, cholinesterase inhibitors are used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease; memantine alone is used for severe Alzheimer’s disease, or moderate disease when cholinesterase inhibitors are unsuitable. These medicines are not recommended for every dementia type and are not offered for frontotemporal dementia. Management of behavioural symptoms begins with assessing their causes and the environment. [2, 3]

Non-pharmacological approaches

Cognitive stimulation, art therapy, environmental adaptation.

Support for caregivers

GSMRC supports family members through psychoeducation and counseling.

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Schedule a consultation with a psychiatrist if your loved one’s memory has significantly worsened or if their personality and behavior have changed.

See also

Depression · Psychosis · Paranoia · Insomnia

Services: Psychiatrist consultation · Psychodiagnostics · Art therapy

YouTube: Experts For Mental Health | GSMRC Official

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

1. World Health Organization. Dementia. WHO; 2025. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

2. Birks J. Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(1):CD005593. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005593. McShane R, Westby MJ, Roberts E, et al. Memantine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;3(3):CD003154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003154.pub6

3. NICE. Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97). Recommendations. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng97/chapter/Recommendations/