Dementia

Dementia is a brain condition, not a single disease, in which damage from several underlying causes impairs memory, thinking and the ability to manage everyday activities. It becomes more common with advancing age but is not an inevitable part of ageing; Alzheimer disease is the most frequent form, followed by vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, hearing loss, smoking, harmful alcohol use, inactivity, head injury and stroke. Early signs are forgetfulness, misplacing things, getting lost, confusion and mood or personality change; symptoms usually worsen, and later stages bring dependence on help with personal care. Assessment first excludes treatable causes through examination and blood tests, then adds history, cognitive and neurological tests and brain scans. Dementia cannot currently be cured; cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists may help in some forms, and cognitive stimulation, physical activity and carer support aid long-term function.

Seek emergency care for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or confusion, or thoughts of harming yourself. See a doctor for headaches that are more frequent or changing, memory problems that affect daily life, or low mood lasting more than two weeks. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.