What Is Dementia?
Learn what dementia is, including early signs, causes and care options.
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Understanding Dementia
Dementia is something that affects almost a million people in the UK, along with the families and loved ones who care about them.
At Right at Home, we understand that a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or noticing signs in yourself, knowing what dementia is, and what help is available, is an important first step to getting the right support.
Dementia is a syndrome, which means it describes a group of symptoms rather than a single disease. These symptoms are caused by damage to the brain, and over time they can affect how a person remembers, thinks, feels, and manages daily life.
Dementia is progressive, meaning symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time.
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What Causes Dementia?
Dementia is caused by diseases that damage the brain. These include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease (such as strokes), Lewy body disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These conditions interfere with how brain cells communicate, leading to the symptoms associated with dementia.
Some types of dementia develop slowly over time, while others may follow a sudden event such as a stroke.
While some causes are due to physical changes in the brain, several risk factors make these changes more likely, such as age, poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption and social isolation.
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What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?
Short-term memory loss
Like forgetting names or a recent conversation
Trouble concentrating or following instructions
Like losing track of a recipe or TV programme
Getting lost in familiar places
Like taking a wrong turn on a well-known route
Difficulty finding words
Like pausing mid-sentence or using the wrong word
Mood changes, such as irritability or anxiety
Like seeming unusually short-tempered or withdrawn
Withdrawing from social activities
Like giving up hobbies or avoiding get-togethers
Difficulty with numbers and/or handling money
Like struggling with bills or giving the wrong change
Becoming slower in physical movements
Like taking longer to walk, stand, or get dressed
Noticing some of these signs?
Read more about the early signs of dementia and when it may be worth speaking to a GP.
Types of Dementia
There are many different types of dementia. Most people will have one of the following:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It’s associated with a build-up of proteins in the brain that disrupt communication between nerve cells. Early symptoms often include confusion, forgetfulness, and problems with language.
These symptoms may be managed with the right support. One of our Clients, June, began forgetting her grandchildren’s names and missing appointments she’d never usually forget. With consistent, gentle support from her Carer, she’s regained confidence in her daily routine and still enjoys the garden club every Thursday.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference?
Many people ask, “What is Alzheimer’s dementia?” or “Is Alzheimer’s the same as dementia?” The short answer is: Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, and it’s the most common one.
Think of dementia as an umbrella term for a range of symptoms. Alzheimer’s is one of the diseases that can cause those symptoms. Other common causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type, and it’s caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or series of small strokes. It commonly affects planning, problem-solving, and concentration more than memory in the early stages.
Lewy Body Dementia
Caused by tiny protein deposits in the brain, Lewy body dementia shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It may involve hallucinations, sleep problems, and changes in movement or balance.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a less common form of dementia that tends to affect people under the age of 65. It impacts the front and side areas of the brain, affecting behaviour, personality, and language. People with FTD may seem disinhibited or emotionally flat and may struggle to find the right words or follow conversations.
Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia occurs when someone has more than one cause of dementia — usually a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. This can lead to a wider range of symptoms, and the condition may progress more quickly. Diagnosis can be more complex, but support is available.
How Common Is Dementia in the UK?
Dementia is more common than many people realise — and the numbers are growing. According to the NHS:
944,000+ people
live with dementia
1 in 11 people
over 65 have dementia
1 million people
to be affected by 2030
How Dementia Affects Everyday Life
Dementia can touch nearly every part of a person’s life. It’s not just about forgetting names or misplacing keys — it can gradually change how someone thinks, speaks, moves, and connects with others. From struggling to find the right word in conversation to feeling overwhelmed by once-familiar tasks like making a cup of tea, dementia can affect a person’s confidence, independence, and relationships.
Many people with dementia remain active, sociable, and capable — but they may need support in new or unfamiliar ways.
In the early stages, this might include:
- Gentle prompts to take medication or attend appointments
- Support with organising daily routines
- Help with shopping lists or meal preparation
- Encouragement with hobbies, outings, or social interaction
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As the Condition Progresses
As dementia progresses, tasks like choosing clothes, managing finances, or following a recipe can become confusing.
Clients may benefit from:
- Personal care (e.g. help with washing, dressing)
- Tailored meal preparation
- Medication support
- Companionship and reassurance
- Dementia-friendly activities
In later stages, Clients may need:
- Nutritional support
- Mobility assistance
- Help managing confusion and sundowning
- Live-in care or increased daily support
Our job isn’t just to support the tasks of daily living. It’s to help our Clients feel seen, heard, and valued — every single day.
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Who Is at Risk of Dementia?
Dementia can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing it over time.
Age
Age is the biggest known risk factor. Dementia is most common in people over the age of 65. In fact, 1 in 11 people over 65 in the UK has dementia. As we age, the brain becomes more vulnerable to the conditions that cause dementia.
However, dementia is not only a condition of old age. Young-onset dementia (diagnosed under the age of 65) affects more than 70,800 people in the UK.
One of our Clients, Tom, was just 59 when his family noticed he was struggling to follow conversations and getting lost on familiar journeys. He was later diagnosed with young-onset frontotemporal dementia. With the right support, he now enjoys gardening and still takes part in his local walking group.
Genetics
For most people, dementia is not inherited. Having a family member with dementia does not mean you will definitely develop it too. That said, in rare cases, specific genetic mutations can increase the risk.
Lifestyle and Health Factors
While we cannot control our age or genetics, there are a number of modifiable risk factors, especially in mid-life (between 40 and 65):
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Obesity
Social and Environmental Factors
In addition to age and health-related risks, certain social and environmental factors can also influence a person’s likelihood of developing dementia. These factors often relate to how we live, connect with others, and stimulate our minds throughout life.
Addressing them early, especially in mid-life, may help reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms.
These factors include:
- Hearing loss – particularly in mid-life, this has been linked to an increased risk of dementia
- Loneliness and isolation – social engagement helps maintain brain health
- Low levels of education – stimulating the brain throughout life may help delay symptom onset
How Is Dementia Diagnosed?
A dementia diagnosis typically begins with a visit to a GP. From there, the GP may carry out memory assessments and coordinate blood tests to rule out other possible causes such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues. If appropriate, the GP will refer the person to a memory clinic or specialist (neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist) for further evaluation.
More detailed testing for dementia might include:
- Brain scans (MRI or CT) to check for signs of strokes or brain shrinkage
- Neuropsychological tests to assess specific areas like language and problem-solving
- Discussions with family members to understand changes in personality, mood, and behaviour
Getting a diagnosis can bring clarity and open the door to tailored support and treatment. It also gives families the opportunity to plan ahead and access vital resources.
To learn more, visit the NHS website for information on getting a dementia diagnosis.
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Treatment and Management of Dementia
Since dementia progresses over time, treatment focuses on maintaining independence and enhancing wellbeing for as long as possible. This includes:
- Medication: Drugs such as donepezil or rivastigmine may help improve or stabilise symptoms in Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. Others may be used to manage sleep, depression, or agitation.
- Cognitive stimulation therapy: Structured activities and conversations designed to improve memory and problem-solving skills.
- Occupational therapy: Techniques to promote independence and adapt the home for safety.
- Diet and physical activity: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support both brain and body.
- Mental health support: Counselling or support groups for people with dementia and their loved ones.
- Respite and Carer education: Giving family caregivers time to rest and learn how to provide effective support.
Right at Home’s dementia care services focus on all these areas, offering holistic, person-centred care that adapts to each stage of the journey.
How to Care for Someone with Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia is both rewarding and challenging. It requires a balance of emotional patience, practical support, and ongoing adaptation to changing needs. No two people experience dementia in the same way, which is why flexibility and empathy are key.
Maintaining a calm and familiar environment can reduce anxiety and confusion. Sticking to routines, offering clear and gentle communication, and allowing plenty of time for tasks can make daily life feel less overwhelming. Small adaptations — such as using memory aids, labelling cupboards, or simplifying choices — can support independence while keeping the person safe.
For example, one of our Clients, Doreen, began forgetting how to use the kettle. Her Carer introduced a one-cup hot water dispenser with a simple push button, allowing Doreen to continue enjoying her afternoon cup of tea safely and independently.
It’s also important to focus on what the person can still do, not just what they struggle with. Encouraging engagement in familiar hobbies, listening to favourite music, or looking through photo albums can offer joy and connection for your loved one.
At Right at Home, we help people live with dementia, not just manage the symptoms. We take the time to understand each Client's life story, preferences, and routines so we can support them with genuine respect and empathy.
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When to Seek Professional Dementia Care
Over time, caring for someone with dementia can become more complex. You might find your loved one needs more help than you can safely provide on your own. Signs that it may be time to consider professional support include:
- Increased confusion, wandering, or distress
- Physical risks such as falls or forgotten medication
- Disrupted sleep for both family caregiver and loved one
- Burnout, emotional exhaustion, or loss of quality family time
Asking for help is not giving up — it’s making sure your loved one receives the care they need, and that you’re supported as well.
Right at Home offers a range of flexible services, from hourly visits to comprehensive live-in care, with plans tailored to each individual and family. Whether it's helping someone dress with dignity or simply sitting beside them during a difficult moment, we’re here to provide reliable support.
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What Is Dementia Care?
Dementia care is specialist support that enables someone with dementia to remain safe and independent in their own home. It includes practical help, personal care, companionship, and activities that promote wellbeing. But more than that, it’s about creating a life filled with comfort, dignity, and connection — no matter what stage of the journey someone is at.
How Right at Home Supports Clients to Live with Dementia
At Right at Home, we build meaningful relationships with every Client, focusing on what matters most to them. Our dementia care includes:
- Personalised care plans that adapt as needs change
- Familiar Carers who understand each Client’s routines, preferences, and personality
- Specialist training in dementia care, including communication techniques and behaviour support
- Engaging activities that promote memory, independence, and joy
- Family support through education, respite care, and regular updates
- Flexible services, from hourly visits to live-in care, to match the right level of support with your needs
We believe the best dementia care isn’t just about tasks — it’s about trust, kindness, and making every day meaningful.
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Find Your Local Office
Want to talk to us about your homecare options?
We’re here to help you live independently and safely at home, with the right level of support at every stage. If you or a loved one could do with support to enjoy life on your terms, please speak to one of our friendly team today.