What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not one single disease.

It is a word used to describe a group of symptoms that happen when the brain is affected by certain illnesses or conditions.

These symptoms gradually make everyday tasks more difficult and can affect a person’s memory, thinking, communication, and behaviour. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells — it is not a normal part of ageing, and it is not the same as simple forgetfulness.

Dementia Is an Umbrella Term

Many people think dementia is one condition, but it actually includes several different illnesses.

The four most common are:

Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

Some people have mixed dementia, meaning a combination (often Alzheimer’s + vascular).

Each type affects the brain in slightly different ways, which is why symptoms and treatments vary from person to person.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

Not everyone experiences dementia in the same way, but common symptoms include:

Memory problems

Forgetting recent conversations or events
Repeating questions
Misplacing items and struggling to find them

Thinking and reasoning difficulties

Finding decisions harder
Struggling with planning, organising, or problem-solving

Communication changes

Difficulty finding the right words
Losing the thread of conversations
Changes in reading or writing ability

Changes in behaviour or personality

Becoming withdrawn
Loss of confidence
Irritability or unusual behaviour
Loss of empathy (particularly in frontotemporal dementia)

Daily tasks becoming harder

Managing money
Cooking safely
Taking medication on time
Getting dressed

These changes happen because dementia gradually affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, language, judgement, movement, or mood.

What Dementia Is

Not

❌ Dementia is

not

a normal part of ageing

Mild forgetfulness can happen as we get older — dementia is much more severe and progressive.

❌ Dementia is

not

just memory loss

Depending on the type, behaviour, movement, speech, or decision-making may be affected long before memory.

❌ Dementia is

not

the same for everyone

Two people with the same diagnosis may look very different in symptoms and progression.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia is caused by diseases that damage brain cells.

Different diseases damage different parts of the brain:

Alzheimer’s → build-up of abnormal proteins
Vascular dementia → reduced blood flow from strokes or vessel damage
Lewy body dementia → protein deposits affecting thinking and movement
Frontotemporal dementia → degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes

When brain cells are damaged, they can no longer communicate properly.

This disruption creates the symptoms we recognise as dementia.

Is There a Cure?

Right now, there is no cure for dementia.

But some treatments and strategies can help:

Medications may help in Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia
Therapies (occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive stimulation)
Support for carers
Creating structured routines
Practical home adaptations
Managing health conditions (blood pressure, diabetes, sleep, hearing, vision)

Early diagnosis gives the best chance of planning and getting support.

Living With Dementia

Dementia does not mean life ends — it means life changes.

People with dementia can still:

Enjoy relationships
Take part in meaningful activities
Learn new routines
Experience joy and connection
Maintain independence for a time with support

The right help at the right stage makes a huge difference, both for the person and for those who love them.

If You’re Worried About Yourself or Someone Else

Talk to a GP or memory clinic if you notice:

Persistent memory problems
Confusion that is out of character
Difficulty with everyday tasks
Changes in language or behaviour
Repeated falls or getting lost
Increasing anxiety or withdrawal

Assessment is simple and can open the door to support.