Accurate information can reduce misplaced fears and help people learn more about what the future holds. Dementia is caused by different illnesses which affect the brain. It may involve loss of memory, the ability to think clearly, to understand words and to recognise people. People with dementia can show personality changes and unusual or distressing behaviour. Often people forget what they meant to do, lose their way in places they know and become confused when using a telephone or working out change.
Some people change their eating habits, get dressed in the middle of the night or wander off.
Early in the disease the affected person, their friends and family can help by writing things down and using reminders. Later people often lose the skills they need for everyday life, and may fail to recognise family members. Eventually the brain ceases to direct activities and they become dependent on others. People may become bed-bound and unable to resist infection. The most common cause of death is pneumonia.