Over the week we will continue to raise awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by dementia.
What is Dementia?
- Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
- Dementia is a progressive disease, however, many people living with dementia leads active lives for many years.
Many factors can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia, including but not limited to:
- Ageing
- Genes
- Lifestyle (physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol intake)
The majority of people with dementia are over sixty-five, but dementia can also affect younger people.
What are the symptoms?
Dementia affects everyone in different ways. Below are some of the most common symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty thinking things through and planning.
- Problems with language
- Being confused about time or place
- Visual-perceptual difficulties
- Mood changes or difficulties controlling emotions.
Discover more at: Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society
A dementia diagnosis is vital
Diagnosis is vital to give people access to the care, treatment and support they desperately need. Yet, incredibly, 1 in 3 people with dementia do not have a diagnosis.
If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, get help describing your symptoms to a GP by filling in our symptoms checklist. Go to: Checklist for dementia symptoms | Alzheimer’s Society
