Dementia — A Complete Guide
What dementia is, the different types, how it progresses, and what support is available at each stage for the person affected and their family.
Key Facts
- Over 900,000 people in the UK are living with dementia
- Alzheimer's disease accounts for around 60–70% of dementia cases
- Dementia is not a normal part of ageing
- There is no cure, but medication and support can slow progression and improve quality of life
- A diagnosis entitles you to a Dementia Adviser and support from your GP
- Carers of people with dementia are entitled to their own Carer's Assessment
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a collective term for symptoms caused by diseases that damage brain cells. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning, language and judgement. It is progressive — meaning it gets worse over time — though the pace of decline varies greatly between individuals and types of dementia.
The most common types are Alzheimer's disease (gradual memory loss and confusion), vascular dementia (often stepwise decline following mini-strokes), Lewy body dementia (fluctuating confusion and visual hallucinations) and frontotemporal dementia (personality and behaviour changes in younger people).
Getting a Diagnosis
If you or someone close to you has noticed increasing memory problems, confusion, or personality changes, see your GP. They will carry out initial assessments and refer to a memory clinic or specialist if needed. A diagnosis can feel frightening, but it opens the door to support, treatment and planning.
After diagnosis, you should be offered a dedicated dementia support worker or Dementia Adviser (provided by Alzheimer's Society or other charities), access to medication such as cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's, and referral to relevant support services.
Care at Home With Dementia
Many people with dementia live at home for years with the right support. This includes consistent care from familiar carers, structured daily routines, meaningful activity, adapted environments (good lighting, clear labels, remove trip hazards), and close communication with family.
A specialist dementia carer can provide support with personal care, companionship, meaningful activity and safe supervision. As the condition progresses, the level of care required typically increases.
Support for Carers
Caring for someone with dementia is deeply rewarding but also exhausting and emotionally demanding. You are entitled to a Carer's Assessment from the council, which may unlock respite care, direct payments, carer support groups and other help. The Alzheimer's Society (0333 150 3456) and Dementia UK (0800 888 6678) offer specialist support and helplines.