Thursday, 16 April 2015

What is dementia?



Dementia is a common condition that affects about 800,000 people in the UK. Your risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.

 

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with:

  •  memory loss

  • thinking speed

  • mental agility

  • language

  • understanding

  • judgement

  • increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning

  • depression

  • changes in personality and mood

  • periods of mental confusion

  • difficulty finding the right words