Not all dementias fit the most common patterns. This short guide offers plain-language overviews of less common dementias, with simple ideas for everyday support and clear reminders to seek medical advice for personal concerns.

This page is an introduction, not medical advice. Always speak with a clinician for diagnosis and care.

Alcohol-Related Dementia (including Wernicke–Korsakoff)

Long-term heavy alcohol use can lead to thinking and memory changes.
Common features: short-term memory problems, difficulty with planning, mood changes; sometimes balance or eye-movement problems.
Everyday support: consistent routines, written reminders, nutrition support (ask about thiamine), and follow-up for alcohol use treatment.

Huntington’s Disease

A genetic condition that can affect movement, mood, and thinking.
Common features: involuntary movements, mood changes, trouble with planning/attention, later memory changes.
Everyday support: calm environments, one-step instructions, safety for movement, and specialized clinic follow-up; consider genetic counseling for families.

How it’s diagnosed

Only a clinician can diagnose PDD. They may review:

• History of Parkinson’s symptoms and timing of changes
• Thinking tests (attention, planning, memory, language)
• Medication review (some drugs affect thinking or alertness)
• Sleep evaluation if dream enactment or insomnia are concerns

Everyday support that helps

• Steady routines: consistent times for meals, medications, light activity, and rest
• One step at a time: break tasks into small steps; allow extra time
• Reduce clutter & noise: calm spaces make focusing easier
• Written cues: short checklists, labels, and a large calendar
• Two simple choices: “Tea or water?” avoids decision overload

Movement & safety

• Falls: clear walkways, good lighting, non-slip footwear; consider a physical therapy review
• Transfers: rise slowly; use sturdy chairs with arms
• Freezing of gait: a verbal cue (“big step”), gentle rhythm, or metronome/music can help
• Fatigue: plan one main activity per block with breaks in between

Communication tips

• Get attention first: say the person’s name, make eye contact, then speak
• Short sentences: one idea at a time, with pauses
• Allow extra time to reply: silence is okay
• Praise effort: notice small wins to build confidence

Calming activities

• Familiar music (steady tempo helps pacing and mood)
• Short, large-print stories read together (5–10 minutes)
• Gentle movement (seated stretches, brief walks if safe)
• Photo browsing with light comments rather than memory testing

Medications & follow-up

• Medication timing matters for both movement and thinking—keep a simple schedule
• Review side effects with clinicians (some medicines can worsen confusion or sleep)
• Ask about therapies: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy for voice or swallow support

When to seek help

• Sudden changes in confusion, behavior, or mobility
• Frequent falls or new injuries
• Severe sleep disturbance or acting out dreams that risks injury
• Caregiver exhaustion—reach out for respite and community supports

Quick FAQ

How is PDD different from Lewy body dementia?
Timing helps: in PDD, Parkinson’s movement symptoms are established first; in LBD, thinking changes may arrive earlier or alongside movement.

Can thinking improve?
Good routines, sleep, and reviewing medicines can help day-to-day function, though changes may progress over time.

What helps today?
Simple routines, reduced distractions, written cues, and short, gentle activities you can share together.Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

A buildup of fluid affects walking, bladder control, and thinking.
Common features: gait changes (feet feel “stuck”), urinary urgency, slower thinking.
Everyday support: home safety for walking, bathroom routines; evaluation is important because some people improve with specific treatments.

Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (CJD)

A rare, rapidly progressive brain disease.
Common features: quick changes in thinking and movement, visual or coordination problems.
Everyday support: urgent specialist care; focus on comfort and safety. Seek immediate medical attention for rapidly worsening symptoms.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA)

A visual-processing dementia often related to Alzheimer’s changes.
Common features: trouble judging distance, reading, or recognizing objects despite healthy eyes.
Everyday support: high-contrast labels, uncluttered spaces, good lighting, audio books, short large-print stories, and calm reassurance.

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

A language-first dementia (often related to FTD/Alzheimer’s changes).
Common features: word-finding difficulty, trouble forming sentences, or understanding speech.
Everyday support: simple sentences, gestures and visual cues, yes/no or either/or questions, and speech-language therapy input.

Dementia in Parkinson-Plus Conditions (MSA, PSP, CBD)

Some “Parkinson-plus” disorders may bring thinking changes.
Common features: movement and balance problems plus changes in attention, planning, or behavior.
Everyday support: physical/occupational therapy, fall-prevention, one-step cues, written reminders, and caregiver respite.

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Shared day-to-day tips (for any dementia)

• Routines help: set regular times for meals, light activity, and rest.
• Reduce overload: calm spaces, good lighting, minimal clutter, and soft background music.
• Offer two choices: simple decisions reduce stress.
• Use written cues: short checklists, labels, and a big-print calendar.
• Connect gently: familiar music, photo browsing, and short, large-print stories read together.

When to seek help

• Caregiver exhaustion—ask clinicians about community supports and respite
• New, sudden, or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Falls, safety concerns, or major behavior changes

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Part of the series: Dementia Explained: An Easy Guide
See the overview page for links to other types (vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, mixed, and Parkinson’s disease dementia).