Please make an appointment to see your GP to talk through any of your concerns. You may be referred to the memory service for further assessment and support.
Dementia is a term used for a range of conditions that affect the brain.
The brain is made up of nerve cells that communicate with each other by sending messages.
Dementia damages the nerve cells in the brain so messages can’t be sent from and to the brain effectively, which prevents the body from functioning normally.
It can affect a person at any age, but it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. A person developing dementia before age 65 is said to have young onset dementia.
There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is set to exceed one million by 2025.
Types of dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
- Young Onset Dementia
What are the symptoms?
Some symptoms of Dementia include:
- Memory problems
- Difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language
- Mood changes.
Regardless of which type of dementia is diagnosed and what part of the brain is affected; each person will experience dementia in their own unique way.
Symptoms Checklist
You can complete a checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before visiting your GP. Visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/dementia-diagnosis/how-to-get-dementia-diagnosis/dementia-symptoms-checklist to complete online or print out a paper copy.
Useful information
Alzheimer’s Society produce a large range of factsheet and booklets covering every aspect of dementia from the different types to practical support, legal matters, social care and much more. To view the full range of publications to download or order, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk and search for factsheet list.
How to reduce the risk of dementia
Although getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, evidence shows there are things you can do to help reduce your own risk. This includes:
- Keep your mind active
- Take control of your health – get a health check
