Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Problems with memory:
  • Finding it hard to remember the date or day of the week.
  • Forgetting the names of people or things.
  • Struggling with your short-term memory, even though your long-term memory is fine.
  • Having difficulties remembering where you've put something or where things are usually kept.
• Problems with thinking skills:
  • Feeling your thoughts or memories are clouded.
  • Finding it takes you longer to process information.
  • Struggling to follow conversations.
  • Getting yourself in a muddle and being unable to arrange things in the correct order.
  • Affected decision making, such as cooking too much or too little food.
  • Finding it difficult to follow conversations, particularly in groups.
  • Struggling to follow the storylines in television or books or losing track while reading a newspaper article.
  • Repeating things or forgetting what you were saying mid-sentence.
• Disorientation:
  • Feeling confused, or even lost, in a familiar place.
  • Being out and forgetting where you were going or how to get there.
  • Getting confused between night and day.
  • Having problems with spatial awareness.
  • Struggling to follow things.
• Mood and personality changes:
  • Experiencing mood swings.
  • Becoming irritable or short-tempered.
  • Losing interest in hobbies and socialising.

What are the types of dementia?

There are many different types of dementia, such as:

• Alzheimer's disease - This is the most common and is a form of dementia that targets the part of the brain that controls memory, language and thought. Alzheimer's and dementia often get confused with one another, which can cause upset and confusion.
• Vascular dementia - This is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. This type of dementia is caused when the brain becomes damaged due to a lack of blood supply, for instance, following a stroke.
• Mixed dementia - It's possible to have more than one type of dementia; this is referred to as mixed. The most common types of mixed dementia are Alzheimer's and vascular.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies - This type of dementia is progressive, complex, and caused by abnormal clumps of protein gathering inside brain cells.
• Frontotemporal dementia - This is an umbrella term used for dementia that generally affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
• Dementia caused by Parkinson's or Huntington's disease

Knowing the type of dementia someone has means that treatment can be more specifically tailored to their needs. The many different types of dementia and its related conditions can be overwhelming to someone who's received or knows someone who's received a dementia diagnosis. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Who is at risk of dementia?

Current research suggests that there isn't one single cause; it's usually a combination of factors that affects your overall risk of developing dementia.

• Age is the most significant factor - your risk of developing dementia increases with age.
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• Unhealthy lifestyles have also been shown to increase your risk of dementia.

It may come as a surprise, but genetics generally don't play a significant part in your risk of developing dementia, even if your relative has it or has had it in the past. In some cases of early onset dementia, genetics have appeared to have played a part. However, this is extremely rare. ‍

What can I do to reduce my risk of dementia?

Studies have shown that people with healthier lifestyles have a lower risk of developing dementia. Doing what you can to stay active and to protect your heart is very beneficial - this includes:

• Eating a varied diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables.
• Eating less salty and fatty foods, especially those high in saturated fat.
• Only drinking alcohol in moderation.
• Stopping smoking.
• Exercising regularly.
• Enjoying an active life with plenty of outside interests.
• Asking your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Keeping your blood glucose well controlled if you have diabetes.

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