What is Dementia?
Dementia is the term used to describe a range of symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions. Dementia symptoms may include memory problems, mood changes and communication difficulties.
Dementia is actually quite common. Around 750,000 people in the UK have dementia, which becomes more common with increasing age. Younger people can also be affected by dementia; about 18,000 people under the age of 65 in the UK have dementia.
For more information see the Alzheimer's Society factsheet What is Dementia?
Causes of Dementia
Dementia is not always caused by Alzheimer's Disease. See Types of Dementia for more information.
Is a Diagnosis Important?
Sometimes people may experience dementia like symptoms caused by other conditions, such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, or even depression. It is crucial to get the right treatment, which is one of the reasons why getting a diagnosis is very important.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists public information leaflet Memory and Dementia has information about normal forgetfulness, as well as dementia, and tips on how to boost your memory.
Further Reading
The Royal College of Psychiatrists website provides a list of books which you may find helpful.
You may find some of the following Alzheimer's Society factsheets of interest:
