Dementia

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of dementia? icon plus

  There are many different types of dementia, but they have some similar symptoms and usually as the condition progresses, it may start to impact:

  • memory loss
  • thinking speed
  • mental agility
  • language
  • understanding
  • judgement
  • mood
  • movement
  • carrying out daily activities

  You may also struggle to control their emotions and lose interest in social situations. 

• How is dementia diagnosed? icon plus

  Your neurologist will discuss your symptoms and medical history with you to help make a diagnosis. They will ask you about your memory and whether the way you think has started to change.
  
  If you are concerned about a loved one, it's important to raise these issues on their behalf. You or they may be asked to take neurological tests such as a memory test, which may be repeated at regular intervals. This is to see if there have been changes in memory.
  
  Additional tests, such as blood tests and MRI scans, can also help to rule out any other illnesses such as a stroke or bleeding or tumours. 

• Treatment options icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your dementia treatment options. The following options may be discussed:

  • Medication. While dementia cannot be cured, medication can help improve some of the symptoms such as dizziness, and memory loss.
  • Therapy. Working with an occupational therapist to make the home environment safer can also help. They can also advise you how to help a loved one with dementia, and tell you what to expect as the illness progresses.
  • Other therapies such as art, music and pet therapy can provide mental stimulation for someone with dementia.