The multiple faces of dementia: a study of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia

Iker P. Pérez-García, Department of Medicina, Universidad del Valle de Cuernavaca, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
María G.S. Prieto-Palacios, Department of Medicina, Universidad del Valle de México, Mexico City, Mexico
Sara Basilio-Díaz, Department of Medicina, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
Ricardo Gómez-Pérez, Department of Medicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, State of Mexico, Mexico
Yoko M. Salgado-Alemán, Department of Medicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, State of Mexico, Mexico
Fernando Valdez-Domínguez, Department of Medicina, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
María F. Velázquez-Garita, Department of Medicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, State of Mexico, Mexico

This narrative review explores dementia, a multifaceted clinical syndrome of neurodegenerative or vascular origin characterized by progressive cognitive decline affecting autonomy and quality of life. Given its rising global prevalence, particularly in developing countries, and the absence of a curative treatment, understanding this condition is of paramount importance. A structured but non-systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical guidelines, and original research in English or Spanish. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 high-quality studies were included. This review addresses key aspects, including modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors such as education, physical inactivity, hypertension, and pollution, as well as associated pathologies such as type 2 diabetes and traumatic brain injury. It delves into the distinct characteristics, pathophysiology, and clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. This document also discusses diagnostic challenges and current symptomatic treatment approaches, emphasizing the critical role of prevention and early non-pharmacological interventions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: Dementia. Alzheimer's disease. Vascular dementia. Frontotemporal dementia. Dementia risk factors.