home

What is dementia?

Dementia is the term used to describe the deterioration of brain function that results in loss of memory, reduced language skills, impaired reasoning and loss of daily living skills.

Dementia affects one person in 20 aged over 65 and one person in three over 95. Over 700,000 people in the UK are currently affected by dementia.

 

Common symptoms

Although there are common symptoms of dementia, each individual can be affected in different ways. Depending on the type and progression of dementia, symptoms can include:

  • memory loss, especially of more recent events. In the early stages of dementia, the person may misplace objects or forget what they're planning to do
  • difficulty finding their way around, especially in new or unfamiliar surroundings
  • problems finding the correct words or understanding other people
  • poor concentration
  • problems learning new ideas or skills
  • difficulties with thinking and judgement, such as finding it hard to lay a table
  • psychological changes such as becoming irritable, saying or doing inappropriate things or becoming suspicious or aggressive
  • in later stages, dementia will cause severe intellectual, behavioural and physical problems, including loss of speech, immobility, incontinence and frailty

However, these symptoms do not always mean dementia. They can also be caused by stress, depression, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, infections or many other illnesses. It is therefore always important for the person to be examined by a doctor and an accurate diagnosis made, possibly by a specialist.

If you are concerned about a friend, relative, or even yourself, then seeking help as soon as possible is advisable. A GP should be the first point of call.

Next steps

Contact us

  • Telephone

    For general enquiries call us on:

    0800 00 10 10

    Lines are open 24/7

Find a care home

Featured care home

This impressive nursing home in Leeds provides specialist dementia care.

Park Avenue Nursing Home

Free care home guides

You can order the following care home guides for free.