If you're here, you or someone you love may be navigating the challenges of dementia. Understanding what dementia is can be an important first step in finding the support and care you need during this difficult transition.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It's not a specific disease but rather an umbrella term describing a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, reasoning, and communication.
Memory loss - particularly short-term memory, like forgetting recent conversations or events
Difficulty with thinking and reasoning - problems with planning, organizing, judgement or solving problems
Communication challenges - trouble finding words or following conversations
Confusion and disorientation - losing track of time, dates, or familiar places
Changes in mood and behaviour - apathy, depression, anxiety, or personality shifts.
The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease (accounting for 60-80% of cases), but dementia can also result from vascular issues (after strokes), Lewy body disease, frontotemporal disorders, or other conditions. Dementia is progressive, meaning it typically worsens over time, though the rate varies depending on the type and individual. It's more common in older adults as age is the biggest risk factor but people can develop dementia in their 40s, 50s and early 60s. Dementia in not a normal part of aging and plenty of people age into later life without these symptoms.
You might be wondering what dementia really means for you, your loved one, or your family. While every person's experience is unique, having a clear understanding of dementia can help you understand the changes you're noticing that we can explore together in therapy.