Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain.
Each type of dementia stops a person’s brain cells (neurones) working properly in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.
Doctors typically use the word 'dementia' to describe common symptoms – such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding – that get worse over time.
Dementia can affect a person at any age but it’s more common in people over the age of 65.
There are over 200 subtypes of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia.
By 2025, it’s estimated that over one million people in the UK will have a diagnosis of dementia – and almost all of us will know someone living with the condition.
When someone has dementia, it is vital that their family and friends can access specialist advice, support and understanding to help them help their loved one.
But for thousands of families, living with dementia can mean fear and confusion, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them and their wider family and friends. Every day and every moment can throw up new and complex challenges; trying to support someone with dementia can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is easy for family carers to become isolated as they put their own lives on hold to take on a role that can push them to breaking point.
But there is a lifeline. Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that is there for the whole family, working towards a day where no one has to face dementia alone. Our specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide life-changing advice and support, to anyone affected by dementia, whenever it is needed.
There is lots of information and advice available through the Dementia UK website - we have picked out a few useful links in the list below.
Dementia UK links
Quote
"Sometimes it takes more courage to ask for help than to act alone"
- Ken Petti
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