Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects how your brain works and in particular the ability to remember, think and reason.
It usually affects older people, although it can affect people under the age of 65 as well. In fact, it is estimated that there are around 800,000 in the UK with dementia.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is not a disease itself - it is a group of symptoms that may accompany conditions that affect your brain.
This can be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF EARLY DEMENTIA?
Common difficulties, according toAge UK, include:
You should also arrange to see your GP if you or your family and friends are worried about any changes in your:
WHAT WILL MY DOCTOR DO?
Your doctor should discuss your concerns and symptoms, as well as ask questions to test your thinking and memory.
They should also carry out a full health check to see whether your symptoms could be due to other causes, and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist or a memory clinic for a fuller assessment.
If this is the case, you should also be offered other tests, for example:
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M DIAGNOSED WITH POSSIBLE DEMENTIA?
Your doctor should explain what having dementia might mean. He or she should offer you further support and advice if you want to talk more about the condition.
It is worth asking the following questions about your diagnosis:
Your doctor should check whether you have other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, whether you are very overweight or have high cholesterol levels, and whether you smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. You should be offered treatment and help for any of these.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS IS CONFIRMED?
Age UK explain: “If you receive a diagnosis, it is important to know who will be responsible for managing your care in the short and long term and who you can contact with any questions or worries.
“One of the goals in the 2009 National Dementia Strategy, is for you to have a named local Dementia Adviser to help you find the right information, care, support and advice.”
WHAT TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE?
There is medication available to help manage the symptoms of dementia - and slow their progression.
You can find out more about this at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ’s website.