Dr. Kelynn Lee, CEO of the Dementia Care Hub and expert in cognitive decline, recently addressed a widespread misunderstanding about mixed dementia in a TikTok video. Responding to a viewer whose mother had been diagnosed with mixed dementia, Dr. Lee emphasized that mixed dementia does not mean doctors are unsure about the diagnosis. Instead, it indicates the presence of more than one type of dementia simultaneously.
She explained, “Mixed dementia means a person has multiple forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia—the most common combination. It’s not about uncertainty but rather about having two distinct dementia types.”
Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing various brain disorders characterized by progressive cognitive decline. According to the NHS, over 944,000 people in the UK live with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that about one in ten dementia cases involve mixed dementia.
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Since mixed dementia comprises different types, symptoms vary widely depending on which conditions are present. Caregivers should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of each form, as individuals may exhibit more pronounced signs of one type over others.
Alzheimer’s Society notes that mixed dementia often results from Alzheimer’s disease occurring alongside vascular dementia, where damaged blood vessels impair brain function. The combination of these diseases tends to exacerbate symptoms beyond what either would cause alone.
Currently, there is no cure for mixed dementia, but treatments exist to help alleviate symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and speech difficulties. Anyone noticing potential dementia symptoms in themselves or loved ones should seek prompt medical advice from a GP.
Early signs of dementia can be subtle, often described as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with symptoms that might develop slowly or remain stable for some time. Such symptoms may go unnoticed by both the individual and their close contacts initially.
It is important to understand that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Early consultation with a healthcare professional can improve management and care options.