Dementia information
What is dementia?
A question many people have. And to answer it we provide accredited information about dementia that is up to date, evidence based and that you can trust.
These pages provide information about the most common types of dementia, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and support. There are pages on genetics, dementia risk factors and information for children too.
Our information does not replace any advice given by doctors, nurses or pharmacists, but aims to give background information which we hope you find helpful.
If you have any questions about dementia or dementia research and would prefer to speak to someone you can contact our Dementia Research Infoline. You can also view and order free dementia information booklets here.
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Types of dementia
Dementia is not a disease itself. Dementia is a word used to describe a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly. There are different types of dementia, caused by different diseases that affect the brain. These diseases include Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, as well as other rarer types of dementia.
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Dementia treatments
In the UK, there are different types dementia treatments that people may be prescribed. These include medications and therapies.
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Risk factors for dementia
Most cases of dementia are caused by a mixture of risk factors. A risk factor is something that affects our chances of developing a condition like dementia.
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Reducing your risk of dementia
Just as we can protect other areas of our health, we can take steps to keep our brains healthy and reduce our risk of developing dementia later in life.
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What is dementia?
Many people want to know, what is dementia? Dementia is not something that just happens to everyone as they get older. It is caused by different diseases.
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Genes and dementia
These pages give an overview of what genes are and how they are involved in the different diseases that cause dementia. You will also find information about genetic testing for dementia.
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Symptoms of dementia
Dementia is caused by diseases that damage the brain and affect a person’s ability to think, remember and go about their day-to-day life.
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Getting a dementia diagnosis
The information on these pages is for anyone who is concerned about symptoms of dementia, and for those who would like more information about how dementia is diagnosed. Anyone concerned about their health should speak to their GP as soon as possible.
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For children & young people
Dementia Explained helps children and teenagers understand dementia, how it affects someone and how this could impact their lives.
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Dementia Statistics Hub
The place to go for statistical information about dementia, dementia research and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
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Need to know more?
You might have questions about where to get support for people affected by dementia, or general questions about dementia and dementia research. Perhaps you’re interested in trying our Augmented Reality Brain Tour, to find out more about what happens in the brain of someone with dementia and how that leads to symptoms.
