Dementia
Learn about the early stages of dementia and what to expect over time. You’ll also find guidance and personal stories about caring for yourself or a loved one.
How can we help you?
Understanding dementia symptoms

Symptoms that seem like dementia but aren’t
From confusion to anxiety, we explore symptoms that can appear with age.

How to look out for the early signs of dementia
Symptoms can appear slowly or very fast and may match a certain type of dementia.

The difference between dementia and Alzheimers
Understand what Alzheimers is and how this can lead to a dementia diagnosis.

The lesser known symptoms of dementia
People often think of memory loss when they think of dementia, but it is much more than just memory loss.

Is it age-related memory loss or dementia?
We’ll walk you through what patterns to look out for to help you tell the difference.
Getting a diagnosis and further advice
What to do if you spot symptoms
Many things can impact your memory, and a GP may be able to reassure you that it isn’t dementia.
But if it is, getting a diagnosis and starting treatment early can make a big difference.
Organisations that can help you
There are a number of great charities and organisations who can help you through your own diagnosis, or a loved one’s.
Carers Trust - Find support services local to you. They can support you through your diagnosis, or help if you’re caring for a loved one.
Dementia UK - Offering family-based support and practical, legal and financial guidance. Plus stories from those living with dementia, and advice on staying safe at home.
Alzheimer’s Society - Guidance on daily living, care services and legal and financial advice. Find support groups and dementia services near you.
Support if your loved one has dementia

What happens after a dementia diagnosis
This can be overwhelming for the whole family. Learn about different ways to cope and how to approach what’s next.

Caring for someone with dementia
Explore some of the practical things you can do to help support someone with dementia. We share tips for taking care of your own wellbeing too.

How to look after yourself as a young carer
Get advice on how to make sure you look after yourself if you’re a young carer, as well as the person you are caring for.
Other neurological conditions
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout your body. You may find it hard to sleep, feel tired, and have memory problems. Currently, there’s no cure for fibromyalgia but there are ways to manage it to ease symptoms.
Huntington's disease
Huntington’s disease is a condition that damages the nerve cells in your brain. It's usually passed down from a biological parent. It's a progressive condition, which means that your symptoms worsen over time. It can change how you think, move, and feel. There’s no cure yet, but treatment can help you manage symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in the brain that can make you shake, move slower and have stiff muscles. It happens when the nerve cells in certain areas of the brain are damaged. There’s no cure yet, but medication and treatment like physiotherapy and sometimes surgery can help.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It can affect your sight, muscle control and balance. It can also cause other symptoms like pain and extreme tiredness, also called fatigue.
Deciding on the right treatment for you
It can be a very emotional decision, but sometimes care is the safest option for loved ones with dementia. It can even improve their quality of life, and yours.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. You’ll get free advice on anything from funding to finding just the right home.
Call us on 0345 600 4622^
Can Bupa help you take control of your health?
I’m interested in health insurance for myself or my family members
I’m interested in health insurance for my business employees
I want to know more about health subscriptions
I don’t want insurance, but I’m interested in pay-as-you-go services
Legal Disclaimer
This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.
^We may record or monitor our calls