What is Dementia?
In simple terms, dementia is a syndrome or a group of symptoms which affects the brain, specifically memory, thinking and reasoning to an extent where it will eventually impact day to day life. It can affect people differently, with different symptoms experienced at different times.
It is most seen in over 65 year olds, but in some cases can affect those under 65 – this is referred to as young onset dementia.
There is no cure for dementia, but lifestyle, medicines and research are lengthening the times people can live with the condition.
Dementia
When most of us think of dementia, we usually think of older people becoming forgetful and eventually struggling with memory and forgetting names and faces or recent events.
Whilst this perspective is technically true, there are various types of dementia and many – often complex – symptoms. Most symptoms will unlikely show at the same time or in the early stage of the disease but as it progresses more mental and physical symptoms will show and additional help or support may be required.
So what is it?
The NHS describes dementia as ‘Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.’
This impact on brain function leads to the presentation of many different symptoms and although some symptoms are common, people can display more or less or some or all of the large mix of symptoms associated with dementia.
It is important to seek medical advice if you or someone you know starts to show symptoms of dementia so that appropriate investigation can take place.
Symptoms
Over time symptoms will become worse and eventually it is likely that additional support and care will be needed.
What to do if you spot symptoms
Help
Seek Help
If you recognise any of the symptoms above or have any health concerns for yourself or someone you know, please contact your GP or you can call NHS 24 on 111.
Support
Seek Support
Use the service finder to find services local to you. You can also speak to your health care professional or GP for further guidance on support available.
Care
Self Care
Caring for someone with dementia can be hard so self-care is vitally important. Check out the dementia information menu for support as a carer.