Donate now See menu Shop Support line Search Home About dementia Five things you should know about dementia Five things you should know about dementia Find out the five things that you should be aware of when it comes to dementia. It's not a natural part of ageing and it's not just about memory loss. 1. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing We all forget a name or a face sometimes. Especially as we get older. But dementia is something different. Memory problems are one of a number of symptoms that people with dementia may experience. Others include difficulties with planning, thinking things through, struggling to keep up with a conversation, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and it doesn’t just affect older people. Over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia. This is called early-onset or young-onset dementia. Help and support If you’re worried about your memory, or about someone else, the first thing to do is make an appointment with the GP. There are lots of reasons someone may show symptoms similar to dementia. These include depression, chest and urinary tract infections, vitamin and thyroid deficiencies and brain tumours. Your GP can check for most of these and take the next steps to find out what’s causing your memory problems. We know it can feel daunting, but the quicker you talk to your GP, the sooner you can get the information, advice and support you need. Find out more about getting a diagnosis from your GP. 2. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Advice Dementia is caused by different diseases that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common of these diseases. Some other common types of dementia include vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. 17 July 2018 115 There are lots of other causes and no two types of dementia are the same. In different types of dementia there is damage to different parts of the brain. Other types of dementia include: vascular dementia (caused by problems with blood supply to the brain) mixed dementia (usually Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia) dementia with Lewy bodies frontotemporal dementia (including Pick’s disease) Alzheimer’s disease tends to start slowly and progress gradually. Vascular dementia after a stroke often progresses in a ‘stepped’ way. This means that symptoms are stable for a while and then suddenly get worse. Everyone experiences dementia in their own way. Lots of things can affect this, including the person’s attitude to their diagnosis and their physical health. Other factors include the relationships they have with friends and family, the treatment and support they get, and their surroundings. Find out more about types of dementia Get your free copy of this information Our free booklet lists essential information that everyone should know about dementia. Download now 3. It's not just about losing your memory When most people hear the word dementia, they think of memory loss. And it does often start by affecting the short-term memory. Someone with dementia might repeat themselves and have problems recalling things that happened recently. But dementia can also affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave. Other common symptoms include: difficulties concentrating problems planning and thinking things through struggling with familiar daily tasks, like following a recipe or using a bank card issues with language and communication, for example trouble remembering the right word or keeping up with a conversation problems judging distances (even though eyesight is fine) mood changes and difficulties controlling emotions. For example, someone might get unusually sad, frightened, angry, easily upset, or lose their self-confidence and become withdrawn. Symptoms of dementia gradually get worse over time. How quickly this happens varies from person to person – and some people stay independent for years. Find out more about symptoms of dementia 4. People can still live well with dementia Although there is no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one. Until that day comes, support and treatments are available that can help with symptoms and managing daily life. These can allow people with dementia to lead active, purposeful lives and carry on doing the things that matter to them most. Treatments There are drugs available that may help with some types of dementia and stop symptoms progressing for a while. This is one reason why it’s important to go to the GP as soon as you suspect there’s a problem. Other things that can help with symptoms of dementia include: cognitive stimulation, which might involve doing word puzzles or discussing current affairs life story work, sharing memories and experiences with a carer or nurse to create a ‘life story book’ keeping as active as possible – physically, mentally and socially – which can boost memory and self esteem, and help avoid depression. Our research Through research, we’re learning more about dementia every day. Researchers are working with people with dementia and their families to look into the causes of dementia. They’re looking at how it might be prevented and diagnosed earlier, and how to improve quality of life for people living with the condition. The more we understand, the more we can do to help people stay independent and live the life they want for as long as possible. Find out more about our research 5. Alzheimer's Society is here for anyone affected by dementia We provide expert information and support to anyone affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 if you’d like to talk to someone for information, support or advice. Sign up to Talking Point, our online community for anyone affected by dementia. Unite, share experiences and get support 24 hours a day, seven days a week Find services local to you for people affected by dementia. Find out more about our specialist dementia training and consultancy services. Need help finding dementia information? Find the information and support you're looking for with our free online tool. Get online support Think this page could be useful to someone? Share it: Categories Worried about dementia, Memory problems Further reading What kind of information would you like to read? Use the button below to choose between help, advice and real stories. Decide what you see ‘Mum worked non-stop to build us a life in the UK. That’s why I look after her now she has dementia’ Real stories Daphne Cumbermack emigrated to the UK not once, but twice. Here, she and her daughter, Michelle discuss the dignity and quiet resilience she showed in setting up a life for her and a future for her children. 01 October 2021 13 Lack of professional support made getting my dementia diagnosis more difficult Real stories For Steve, getting his diagnosis of young-onset dementia wasn't easy. After being let down by a doctor, he describes how a documentary encouraged him to finally go back and push for a diagnosis. Now, Steve advises anyone worried about themselves or a loved one to do the same. 24 September 2021 11 Advice Who can support with memory problems? Find out more about how services and people can support you with your memory problems. Previous Next Sign up to get twice-monthly e-newsletter updates from Alzheimer’s Society. You can change what you receive at any time and we will never sell your details to third parties. Here’s our Privacy Policy. Useful links Jobs Working for us Contact us Publications and factsheets Training and conferences Blog Legal information Cookies Report a website problem Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube All content © 2021 Alzheimer's Society. Registered office at Alzheimer's Society, 43-44 Crutched Friars, London, EC3N 2AE Alzheimer's Society is a registered Charity No. 296645. Registered as a company limited by guarantee and registered in England No. 2115499