Caring for someone with dementia information guide
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but there's support and advice to help you. Download our guide...
If you've been experiencing problems with your memory or you've found yourself getting confused in familiar places, you may be worried these are signs of dementia. Other conditions can cause these symptoms too, so it's important to speak to your doctor if you're at all worried.
Dementia is a general term used to describe a collection of symptoms that occur when certain diseases or conditions affect the brain. Symptoms vary depending on which underlying condition is causing the dementia and which parts of the brain are affected. Some more common symptoms include:
As we get older, most of us experience some symptoms like these from time to time. It's important to remember that being forgetful or getting confused doesn't necessarily mean that you have dementia. Dementia-like symptoms can be caused by common, treatable conditions, including:
If you're worried, it's worth making an appointment to discuss things with your doctor. If you're worried about someone else, try to encourage them to see their doctor. For advice on this, click here to see our page on how to have an open conversation.
Dementia isn't a disease in itself – it's a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect the brain. There are many different types of dementia, depending on what's causing the dementia. Knowing which type of dementia you have means that treatment can be more specifically tailored to your needs.
The most common types of dementia are:
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that targets the part of the brain that controls memory, language and thought. Alzheimer's and dementia often get confused with one another, which can cause upset and confusion.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, after Alzheimer's disease. This type of dementia is caused when the brain becomes damaged due to a lack of blood supply, for instance, following a stroke.
There are many other types of dementia such as dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia. Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease may lead to someone developing certain types of dementia.
The many different types of dementia and its related conditions can be overwhelming to someone who's received, or knows someone who's received, a dementia diagnosis. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
There doesn't seem to be one single cause of dementia. Current research suggests that a combination of factors affects your overall risk of developing dementia.
Studies have shown that people with healthier lifestyles have a lower risk of dementia. Doing what you can to protect your heart and stay active is beneficial – this includes:
If you're worried you may have dementia it's important to book an appointment to see your doctor. If you think dementia may be affecting someone you know, try to encourage them to see their doctor – you could offer to go with them for support if they seem reluctant.
When you see your doctor they should discuss your symptoms with you. They may ask you some questions to test your thinking and memory and carry out some health checks to look out for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. They might make a decision based on this, but they may have to refer you to a memory clinic or consultant with specialist knowledge for a fuller assessment.
Click here to download our Living with dementia information guide (PDF, 2.8 MB)
Click here to download our Caring for someone with dementia information guide (PDF, 4.1 MB)
Click here to find out more about dementia diagnosis and treatment
Click here to find out more about how to live well with dementia
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
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