Local Support

Understanding Dementia

The word "dementia" describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes, or it can be associated with other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Down’s syndrome.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse.

Information and support is provided by a range of national and local organisations to help those living with dementia and their families and carers.

Viewing dementia as a series of stages can be a useful way to understand the progression of the condition, while appreciating that each individual will experience dementia in a different way and the different dementia subtypes will have different symptoms.

Please click here to visit our contacts page of local supportive organisations.

Understanding the causes, key signs and symptoms of dementia are an important step in learning to live well with Dementia.

To read more about the signs and symptoms of Dementia, please click here.