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Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain. It affects memory, thinking, communication, mood and behaviour, and it gets worse over time.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It can also affect people under 65, which is known as young-onset dementia. Many people in construction will be affected through caring for a parent, partner or relative with dementia.

What are the different types of dementia?

Alzheimer's disease: The most common type, often starting with memory problems.

Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, for example after strokes.

Dementia with Lewy bodies: Can include hallucinations, movement problems and changes in alertness.

Frontotemporal dementia: Often affects personality, behaviour and language first, and is more common in younger people.

What are the signs of dementia?

1. Memory and thinking:

  • Forgetting recent events or conversations.
  • Repeating questions.
  • Difficulty planning or following instructions.
  • Getting lost in familiar places.

2. Communication:

  • Struggling to find the right words.
  • Finding it hard to follow conversations.

3. Mood and behaviour:

  • Confusion, anxiety or low mood.
  • Personality changes or becoming withdrawn.
  • Behaving out of character.

What are the statistics for dementia in the UK?

Prevalence: Close to 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise.

Young-onset: Over 70,000 people in the UK are estimated to have young-onset dementia.

Diagnosis: Many people with dementia have not received a formal diagnosis.

Risk: Some risk factors can be reduced, including high blood pressure, smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity and hearing loss.

Where to get help with dementia UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help.

Dementia UK: Specialist dementia nurse support for families.
Admiral Nurse Helpline: 0800 888 6678
Website: https://www.dementiauk.org/

Alzheimer's Society:
Support line: 0333 150 3456
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Carers UK: Support for anyone caring for someone with dementia.
Helpline: 0808 808 7777

Your GP: If you are worried about your own or someone else's memory, speak to a GP.

A diagnosis can feel frightening, but it opens the door to support and planning.

Conditions and diagnoses

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