Skip to main content
Dementia

The 2 Most Common Types of Dementia

Learn about the two most common types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, and their similarities and differences.

Lauren Smith, MASarah Gupta, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sarah Gupta, MD
Updated on April 8, 2025
Reviewed by Sarah Gupta, MD | April 8, 2025

It may surprise you that dementia isn’t one disease — but instead a category of several types of diseases. Doctors categorize these types based on the different changes in the brain that occur.

Learn more about treatments for dementia, common concerns, and prevention here.

References

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sarah Gupta, MD
Reviewed by:
Sarah Gupta, MD
Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Green trust check markOur editorial standards
Green trust check markMeet our experts

Was this page helpful?

Latest articles

Supplements and herbs: woman buying medication in phamarcy 1778307369

The 12 Best Supplements to Improve Memory and Brain Health: What the Science Says

by Katie Horrell, MS, RDN, CPT • Jan 14, 2026
GLP-1 agonists: closeup semaglutide injections 2112991427

Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Lower the Risk of Dementia?

by Mandy Armitage, MD • Jan 7, 2026
dementia:woman taking medication 2218264257

5 Supplements That May Decrease Your Risk of Dementia

by Jennifer Arnouville, DO, FAAFP • Dec 3, 2025
Dementia: Caregiving: closeup caregiver holding senior hand 1397344056

12 Signs That Someone With Dementia Is Nearing Death

by Cherilyn Davis, MD • Oct 6, 2025
How to Prevent Dementia: Tips From a Cardiologist
Video play button

14 Ways to Help Prevent Dementia and Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age

2:09
How Might Depression Affect Your Memory?
Video play button

Is Depression Affecting Your Memory? The Connection Between Depression and Memory Loss

1:41
Symptoms of Dementia (Beyond Memory Loss)
Video play button

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

1:37
Dementia: portrait of a senior man smiling 1975776220

What Foods Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline and Dementia?

by Nicole Andonian, MD • Jun 2, 2025
Vaccines: closeup vaccine in arm 2169352313

Researchers Discover a New Side Effect of the Shingles Vaccine: A Lower Risk of Dementia

by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH • May 1, 2025
woman staring out window 1290137773

How Does Alcohol Alter Memory?

by Emily Guarnotta, PsyD • Apr 3, 2025
Dementia: Xanax and valium: examining pill bottle closely-1155142035

Does Xanax Cause Dementia or Memory Loss?

by Valerie Anne Jones, MD • Apr 1, 2025
Health: Dementia: senior woman blank stare 1347158215

A List of Drugs Linked to Dementia

by Nicole Rowe, MD • Feb 11, 2025