Dementia Symptoms & The Support Available

Dementia affects about 800,000 people in the UK.

It’s a collection of symptoms that result from damage to the brain. However, the risk of developing dementia increases with age and the condition usually affects people over the age of 65.

Dementia Symptoms

Symptoms of dementia can be mild and go unnoticed for a period of time, but early diagnosis and the right support will help maintain the quality of life.

Dementia is not a disease but a collection of symptoms, for example:

Memory loss
Difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
Becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
Difficulty finding the right words
Difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
Changes in personality and mood

Symptoms are often mild and may only get worse very gradually. More importantly, people with dementia and those around them may not be aware of the symptoms for some time.

Where and how to find support…

Get an assessment
Look at care options
Speak to specialist nurses
Seek advice from dementia charities
Use Social Media to talk about dementia

Having a health and social care assessment is one of the first steps to take. The assessment helps people with dementia and those around them get help and support from their local social services department.

Being in a familiar surrounding can help people with their condition. It is important to look at the care options available for people with dementia as these services can support them and their families. If there is adequate support from family carers and community teams, then many people can stay in their own homes.