Dementia Support Line
What is mixed dementia?
‘Mixed dementia’ is a condition in which a person has more than one type of dementia. A combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia is the most common type.
At least 1 in 10 people with dementia is diagnosed as having mixed dementia.
Other combinations are also possible – particularly Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Getting a mixed dementia diagnosis
A lot of people have more than one type of disease in their brain, particularly as they get older. The most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular or blood vessel disease, and Lewy body disease.
When an older person has dementia, it’s probably not because of a single type of brain disease but rather a combination of different ones. Unfortunately, it’s still very difficult to see all the different types of disease in the brain of a living person.
This is why a doctor is likely to base their diagnosis on the main type of disease they think is present and causing symptoms. The most common diagnoses are Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia.
Sometimes, a doctor may find that a person has clear signs and symptoms of at least two different types of dementia. When this happens, they will make a diagnosis of mixed dementia.
What are the symptoms of mixed dementia?
There’s no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. This is because a person’s symptoms depend on the relative contributions of each type of dementia that they have.
To know more about the likely symptoms of mixed dementia, you need to learn about the symptoms of the different types involved. It’s common to have more symptoms of one type than another.
Common types of mixed dementia
Most diagnoses of mixed dementia tend to be a combination of two different types. Here, we look at the two most common types of mixed dementia – Alzheimer's disease with vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy body disease.
Alzheimer’s disease with vascular dementia
This is the most common type of mixed dementia. It’s caused by a person developing Alzheimer’s disease and at the same time having diseased or damaged blood vessels supplying their brain.
The two different types of disease combine to make symptoms worse than they would be on their own.
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a build-up of faulty proteins in and around brain cells. The most common and well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is having problems with memory – particularly memories of recent events or conversations.
However, a person with Alzheimer’s is also likely to get lost easily, have trouble finding words when they’re speaking and become confused about time or place.
Understanding vascular dementia
The ‘vascular’ part of mixed dementia is caused by problems with the supply of blood throughout the brain.
These can be caused by a stroke or a series of strokes when blood vessels in the brain become blocked or bleed. More often it’s caused by thousands of tiny and fragile blood vessels in the brain gradually becoming damaged and worn out over time. Either way, vascular disease stops brain cells from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to work properly.
The symptoms of vascular dementia depend on what part of the brain is affected. Generally, the condition tends to make it harder to think quickly and process a lot of information at once. A person may have difficulties with planning, solving everyday problems and making decisions. They may struggle to focus and easily lose the thread of a conversation. It’s also common for someone with vascular dementia to have depression.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Less often, dementia can be caused by a mixture of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body disease.
Lewy body disease is the brain disease that can either cause dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Understanding Lewy body disease
Lewy bodies are the clumps of faulty proteins that build up in the brain cells of people who have dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or Parkinson’s disease. Lewy body disease has quite different symptoms to other types of dementias.
People with Lewy body disease often have very disturbed sleep and visual hallucinations. They may also experience rapid ‘fluctuations’ in their ability to function properly, feeling confused or disorientated quite suddenly. Memory tends to be less affected than in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the treatments for mixed dementia?
There is currently no cure for any type of dementia, including mixed dementia. Some medications and other therapies may help to improve dementia symptoms for a while. However, there is currently no medicine that can slow down the underlying diseases and prevent further damage from happening in the brain.
Medication for mixed dementia
The most common medication used to treat mixed dementia is called donepezil.
This boosts levels of a chemical in the brain that helps the cells to communicate with each other better. There are also two other medications that work similarly to donepezil. Another one called memantine is often prescribed when it’s not possible for a person to take donepezil. It can also be used in combination with donepezil as dementia symptoms get worse over time.
Unfortunately, there’s currently no medication that has been shown to improve the symptoms of vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia.
Therapies for mixed dementia
There are several type of therapies that may help to improve a person’s abilities or their quality of life. These include occupational therapy, talking therapies and emotional support, cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and reminiscence therapy. Some locations may also offer music and arts-based therapies.
A person with mixed dementia involving Lewy body disease may be offered physiotherapy to help with movement problems.
Learn more about the different approaches for coping with dementia symptoms.
No matter what type of dementia you have, we’re here for you.
Caz
saysMy mum has just been diagnosed with mixed dementia and Alzheimer’s I’m not quite sure what that is though. her scan showed shrinkage of the brain and she’s had a small stroke
But in November my dad died and although we knew he was dying he was very Ill leading up to it and we cared for him at home.
Before this we noticed mum was loosing money and putting dog food in fridge left water running and so on
We thought let’s sort dad first then mum but since then she has literally changed so much
She won’t be left alone and my brother who lives with her is loosing so much weight looking after her
We are all there daily ( 6 siblings) she will go out with me in a wheelchair.
We tried to get her to go to a day centre to meet people but she won’t.
She’s turned really hurtful if we try to have a day off from seeing her.
I work and pop in lunch time and then all day Thursday Friday sat and Sunday.
But she just stares in space and turns tele off if she is left on her own these starts to her my brother to phones us and say come over.
I’ve tried to get her to watch tv and programmes but no. She started medication Monday so hoping it’s going to help
Alzheimer's Society
saysHello Caz,
We're sorry to hear about your mum, it sounds like a really difficult time for you and your family.
If you ever need to talk to someone, please know that you can always call our support line on 0333 150 3456. You can speak to one of our trained dementia advisers, who can provide information, advice and support relevant to your situation. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
You and others in your family may also benefit from joining our online community, Talking Point. Here, carers and other people affected by dementia share their experiences, and offer advice and support to those in similar situations. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk
We hope this helps for now, Caz. Please do call our support line if you need to.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Sue Moss
saysMy 80 year old husband has mixed dementia which at the moment is not to far advanced. Unfortunately it has robbed him of his mobilty and he has several falls a week. He now wants to pass urine every few minutes day and night and is currently in hospital. They are treating him as a social case and want to send him home without investigating his bladder problems. I am 77 and have my own health issues and am finding increasingly
difficult dealing with his mobility issues and cannot carry on for much longer. If he did not have a mobilty problem I could cope with the mental part of the disease process.
Julie Diane Lande
saysMy hubby's has been told he has mixed dementia last August he s only 63 since then its like he s given most days he does not get dressed all he does is watch TV or sleep his memory is not fading fast
Pat
saysMy sister has it now after cancer she’s 76 don’t no how long it takes to come on fast I pray it dosent
Sandra Faulks
saysHi ,my hubby was diagnosed with Mixed Dementia 4 years ago at aged 69 ,although he had had short term memory problems since 2013 after a heart attack
(scans revealed mini strokes to the brain)
We returned to home town (Derby) after moving to our dream location on the coast,as I don’t drive and knew we would become isolated once my hubby was unable to drive
I am fortunate to have a large and supportive family here in Derby,and we now live in a lovely Sheltered Housing Flat
My hubby deteriorated quite significantly (like so many others ) during lockdowns and restricted activities, but my children (7 of them !) and partners and Grandchildren kept us occupied and supported ,for which I am forever grateful,as I know many people have no family to help
I feel my main problem is keeping my hubby occupied some days (especially when weather not great ) I have looked into support groups/meet ups and clubs in this area,but appears to be only one (monthly ) group ,The Hardy Group ,But my hubby is ADAMANT he does not want to join a group!!We have assorted activities and groups here at our complex,but he just says”You go,I don’t fancy it” every time I say let’s join in more!!I think he feels so bad as he can’t find words to express himself with people other than family (who fill in gaps for him and are very patient)
I get lonely as I’m an outgoing person at heart,and feel guilty for wanting to join in with the Bingo,coffee mornings etc so I just don’t go to much nowadays
Would love to get hubby out more
As I said,my family are fabulous,but obviously all work and have their own lives to live
Best wishes to all
Hi Sandra, and thanks for getting in touch.
It sounds like you might benefit from speaking with other people who are going through similar situations. Within our online community, Talking Point, carers and other people affected by dementia share their experiences and offer each other support and advice. It's open day or night, and free to use. Read more about the community, or register to join the conversation: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-on…
We'd also recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 and speaking with one of our dementia advisers. They can answer any questions you might have about support services and provide dementia information relevant to you and your husband where you live. More details about the support line (including opening hours) are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We hope this helps for now, Sandra. Please do call our support line if you need to speak with an adviser.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Moira Stevens
saysDebbie
saysDad got mixed for 4 years n has def got worse during lockdown n even worse now as people notice week by week he sleeps a lot talks rubbish can’t get up without help we have to do everything for him as he now does not use his left hand he has had a couple of loo miss aps and will not sit on the toilet he walks about okish and followers mum he doesn’t recognise anything or know anything or what his doing people say stages but who knows what stage his at hard work and I just hope this is not gonna last for years as it will put strain in mum
Sally clifford
saysMy mum was diagnosed with mixed dementia 4 years ago. I feel very lucky that we were able to convert our garage and move her in with us. I realised she had not been able to feed herself properly and she had got in a mess with some paperwork and finances although she had masked some of her problems so it took us a while to realise. We have also been able to engage with a local dementia charity and she has 3 days a week when she is either at a club or with a ‘companion’ while her dementia has definitely progressed and I can identify skills she has lost but I can honestly say she is happy and fulfilled. I think this is because she no longer has any worries or concerns and because she is socially active and feels valued. It’s not without its
Problems and worries but currently it’s hard to imagine mum getting much worse and losing speech etc. Does a mixed dementia diagnosis always result in a loss of all skills?
Susan
saysMy mum was diagnosed with mixed dementia 18 months ago. Very challenging and frightening for mum and myself . She is still living independently with two carer calls a day. But all of a sudden her capabilities are getting less by the day. The professionals have assessed her and said she's doing okay but I'm worrying 😟 everyday now. I'm doing what I can but I work as well. My main concern is her weight not convinced she's eating properly. Her taste in food has changed too. Can you advise on any of these issues please.
Thankyou.
Alzheimer's Society
saysWe're really sorry to hear this, Susan. It sounds like you and your mum are going through a very difficult time.
We'd strongly recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Our trained dementia advisers can listen to you and provide specific support, advice and information on your mum's situation. More details about the support line, including opening hours, are here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
You might also benefit from joining our online community, Talking Point, where carers and other people affected by dementia can share their experiences and receive peer support. It's free to join, and open day or night: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-on…
Please do call our support line if you need us, Susan.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Tracy Thomason
saysMy Mum has been diagnosed with mixed dementia and alzeimers, one of her main issues is that she is in a Port of Leith housing association flat and she is facing the back, where there is no Outlook and she is looking into a brick wall. I have had a formal complaint with the POLHA and they do not recognising my mums illness serious enough to give her a managers transfer to a front facing flat. This would have a massive impact on my mums health and make her days a lot happier where she can see people and have an outlook. I am so disappointed with the housing association as they have said unless there is domestic abuse the will not grant her a transfer to a front facing flat. Any help would be grateful 🙏 thank you
Hi Tracy
We're sorry to hear about this - it sounds like a difficult situation.
We'd recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. You'll be able to talk to one of our trained dementia advisers, who can provide information, advice, and support specific to your mum's situation.
You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We hope this helps, Tracy. Please do call our support line for advice.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Kerry
saysIs it normal to hear voices in your head with Alzheimer’s disease? Thank you
Alzheimer's Society
saysHi Kerry,
Thanks for your comment.
People with Alzheimer's disease, or in fact all forms of dementia, can experience what is called auditory hallucinations. This means hearing things that aren’t there, like voices or footsteps, and it can be quite common.
But if auditory hallucinations are causing a person with dementia distress they can be addressed to some extent with a range of non-drug approaches and good person-centered care.
In the case of mixed dementia (which this article is about) it might be that, in addition to having Alzheimer’s disease, a person may have another type of dementia that is more strongly associated with hallucinations - such as dementia with Lewy bodies.
This should really be discussed with a clinical team providing post-diagnostic care as it could affect the way a person's condition is managed.
We have further information on our website about hallucinations, with lots of practical advice, which you may find useful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/hal…
We hope this helps.
Alzheimer's Society knowledge team
Barbara
saysMy husband was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia/
Pick's Syndrome 7 years ago following a massive Ischemic Stroke on his left side! He is at home and completely bedridden now I am his caregiver he is 69 ! He is still very witty with his sense of humor but his language is quite fowl this has been happening more often and he still believes his life is still the way it was before the Stoke !
I can see the decline in him more in the last year he does have a nurse and his Doctor that comes to the house quite frequently .He is having a hard time sleeping at night again and he can be aggressive at times ! I would like to know more about the regression of Pick's syndrome if possible!
I am very concerned he still knows who I am and our children although sometimes he thinks our Granddaughter is our daughter and our daughter is me when I was younger!
Hi Barbara, thanks for getting in touch.
The best place for dementia information specific to your situation is the Dementia Connect support line. Call on 0333 150 3456 to speak to one of our dementia advisers - they can listen to your husband's situation and offer information and support. More details about the support line (including opening hours) are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
In the meantime, we have some information on Pick's disease, which is also known as Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or frontal lobe dementia. It is one of the less common types of dementia. You can read about it here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/frontotempo…
To learn more about the progression of dementia, we have further information on our website here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how…
We hope this helps, Barbara. Please do call our support line to speak with an adviser about receiving more dementia information, whether its digital copies or paper copies in the post.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Sarah
saysHi all. My father in law was diagnosed with mixed dementia last year. It's been very difficult for us (my husband and I) to ensure he is ok. My sister in law is abroad teaching and my mother in law passed away this year also. We both work full time and just do not know where to turn for help/support. He says he is going to get better, we do not discuss this with him. He gets very down and very sorry for himself. This may seem an awful thing to say but he hasn't been the most 'kindest' father to my husband even before the diagnosis. He will call my husband at work 3/4 times a day, and they won't be pleasant calls. I suppose what I'm hoping for is advice for us for support. I know this sounds awful as we are the carers, but it does take its toll on us , especially my sons husband who is so very patient and kind with my father in law. Thank you for any advice given.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your comment, and sorry to hear you've all been having a difficult time.
We'd recommend speaking with one of our dementia advisers by calling the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. (More information about the support line, including opening times, can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line)
You may also benefit from talking with other people affected by dementia within our online community, Talking Point. Feel free to browse and read others' experiences, or create an account to reply and connect with others. You may find similar situations to yours and your father in law's shared there: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
Please do call the support line on 0333 150 3456 if you need to speak to someone during this challenging time.
Best wishes,
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Hilary
saysHi all. I haven’t been diagnose with anything Yet or seen a doctor for that matter however I’m keen to get some advice. I am 44 and suffering with increased appetite, memory loss as in I can’t remember a conversation that I’m actively taking part in sometime. Disturbed sleep, Memory loss with names, dates, days sometimes too. Within work some actions I’ve been asked to do, checks I would instinctively have done before but That don’t Even enter my mind now, I’m getting increasingly frustrated with myself for not doing what I’m capable of and wondering if this is something I need to get looked at ? Any guidance gratefully accepted.
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for your comment and sorry to hear you've been experiencing these symptoms. It sounds really difficult and frustrating for you.
Everybody forgets things from time to time and memory problems do not always mean dementia. But if you are noticing problems with your memory, it’s important to speak to a GP. It’s important to find out the reason for the problems as there may be treatment or support available to you that can help.
You can also call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. One of our trained dementia advisers can learn a bit more about how you've been feeling and give advice and support. You can find more details of the support line here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We also have lots of information on our website that you may find useful, including this page on memory problems: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryproblems
Hope this is helpful, Hilary, and please do speak to a GP if you're worried.
Thanks,
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Elaine Howie
saysThink it’s a good idea to get tested sooner rather than later. I’m glad I did as got my diagnosis when in the early stages and have medication, information, advice and support, plus I can make improvements to my lifestyle, and live as well as I can whilst my dementia progresses (early stage of Alzheimers at age 68 and retired for a year).
Is scary and would rather know and do what I can to help myself to cope, and to live as well as I can. I do talk about it with a few key people (not counselling although might be an option in a bit) and am fortunate to have that support. The hardest thing is to keep forgetting…. and to not be the ‘player’ I was in the same way. Trying to be accepting and kind to myself. Worried how it might progress and have to block looking too far ahead as much as I can. Have my private moments of feeling v sorry for myself and weeping. Need to be my own best friend more than ever. Think group support if I can find it will work better than 1:1 counselling in a while. Just not sure how fast this will progress and….is scary and heartbreaking for me.
Elaine, thank you so much for your comment. We really like what you said about being your 'own best friend more than ever'.
Would you be interested in sharing your story with us for the blog? We'd love to hear more about you, your diagnosis journey, and any other words of advice or insight that could benefit other people with dementia.
Here are some guidelines on writing about your experiences, which may come in handy: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/share-your-dementia-story-our-blog Otherwise, you can send our team an email at [email protected] and we'll get the ball rolling with you. We'll support you every step of the way.
We look forward to hearing more from you, Elaine!
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Mandy Haddock
saysHi Hilary, how are you now? You sound very similar to me (I asked for a referral to the Memory Clinic) but it turns out it’s Perimenopause.
Hope you’re well, Mandy
Louise
saysMamzoli Mkwanazi
saysMy mom was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia.We started noticing signs around 2016. Worse we lost my younger sister early March this year. She is currently on medication. My question is do we have to tell her that she has dementia. Her condition is not yet severe as she can still do a lot for herself. Please advide
Hi Mamzoli,
We're really sorry to hear about your mum and your younger sister. This sounds really difficult for you.
You may find it helpful to talk call our Dementia Connect support line. Our dementia advisers can learn more about your situation and give you information, advice and support. The number for the support line is 0333 150 3456, and you can read more about it here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
Many people find it helpful to know about their diagnosis so that they can feel in control and plan ahead. Our free publication, 'The dementia guide', is written for people with a dementia diagnosis and covers the most important topics they might need to know: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/publications-about-dementia/the-dementia-…
Hope this is helpful, Mamzoli - please do call the support line for more detailed advice and support relevant to your situation.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
(Bob) Robert. R. Anderson
saysI was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013 and with alzheimer's early 2019. I was told to try and learn another language and keep my mind as active as possible as learning such as a language can activate bits of the brain not used as is the case with brains damaged by injury. I have lost a great deal of memory, I read math and technology and now use a calculator for pre 11+ math and have to use memory aids especially for medication, I use insulin and other ( must not forget or overdose meds) but despite thatI have just scored 85 on one free IQ test and 98 on another, I am deteriorating but with help am still living independantly with some support. So accept help keep your brain active and you who care do the best to keep the sufferer mentally active and help them do all they can for themselves. I am a Jehovah's Witness so study and read a lot, so reading subjects you like and are interested in can also help; I'm now 8 years from my first diagnosis so you can have many useful independant enjoyable years ahead all the best and may Jehovah care for you and bless you all, sufferers and carers :-)
Suzanne
saysHi friend it’s so good to hear you tried to learn another language it sounds like you really appreciate the life we have been given even if it’s not the best quality. I admire the courage you are showing as my husband was diagnosed with mixed dementia and is really struggling at the moment. We look forward to a time when health or the lack of good health is a thing of the past, until then our love and if possible our kindness goes to you all. From a fellow Jehovah’s Witness 😊
Gary Morgan-Jones
saysMy wife who is 57 years old was diagnosed with mixed dementia approximately 3 years ago but has had dementia for about 5 years, over this time things have been more difficult with trying to care for her & going to work at the same time, I read so much about the subject of dementia but the whole thing is just confusing because of the amount of information, so my questions are, what is the life expectancy, are we eligible for home care whilst I'm at work & why does my wife look into space & doesn't know why or where she's been & why does this happen?.
Hi Gary,
This sounds like a very confusing time. We strongly recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Our dementia advisers are here to listen to your situation, answer your questions and provide advice and support related to your needs and your wife's needs. The support line is available seven days a week: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
Some people also find it helps to talk with others who have gone through or are going through similar experiences. If you think this would help, you can visit our online community, Talking Point, for peer support: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/ It's free and open day or night.
We hope this is helpful, Gary.
Alzheimer's Society blog team