The chance of developing dementia increases significantly with age. One in 14 people over 65 years of age, and one in six people over 80, has dementia. It is more common among women than men.

Over 17,000 younger people (under the age of 65) in the UK have dementia. This is called early-onset or young-onset dementia.

Dementia occurs when the brain is affected by a disease. It is not a normal part of ageing.

Dementia affects everyone differently and can cause a wide range of symptoms. These can include problems with memory, thinking, concentration and language. People may become confused or struggle with how they perceive things.

Dementia can also cause changes in mood or emotions and affect how someone behaves.

Dementia is progressive, which means that symptoms get worse over time. However, many people with dementia lead active and fulfilling lives for many years.

There are many different types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which are sometimes combined (called mixed dementia). Less common are dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

There are also some rarer conditions that cause dementia. Together, they account for only about five per cent of all people with dementia.

Various factors increase the risk of someone developing dementia. Ageing, genes, health and lifestyle all play a part. Most people with dementia are over 65 years of age, but dementia does not also affect younger people.

Some people are diagnosed with a condition call mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The causes symptoms that are similar to dementia, but aren’t as serious. People with MCI have a higher risk of developing dementia, but not all of them will.

If you are concerned that you have symptoms of dementia, or would like further information, please request an appointment with the practice.