What happens to someone with dementia?

When a person has dementia, they change over time. These changes are nobody's fault, and the person can't stop them from happening. They happen because the person's brain is not working like it used to.

Nobody can say for sure what the changes for someone with will be, because everyone who has dementia is different.

Some people might forget things, like your name or birthday. They might have problems speaking to you or they might do strange things. Some people can't see things properly and might be scared or upset.

Not everyone gets the same problems, and they don’t get them all at the same time. Some people might change slowly over many months or years.

Below you can see some stories from different children who know somebody with dementia.

Find out more below:

She lost her speech, she couldn’t talk to any of us anymore, it was like we could see her trying to say it but she couldn’t get her words out.

Shannon

She is always confused. She moves things to random places and sometimes she leaves the house by herself and tries to go very far away.

Jean

She was just lays in bed at the care home, not being able to do anything for herself. She couldn’t eat, and she was so sleepy. It broke my heart.

Rebecca

He would go through all of the kitchen drawers looking for something and emptying the contents of them on to the counter.

Imogen

She doesn't remember anyone apart from my grandad and she calls him dad.

Tanya

He always forgets me and family members.

Lin

We have a 6-course meal every night. He can't tell whether he's hungry or not and doesn't remember if he's already eaten.

Kate

She always asks the same questions over and over again.

Sarah

We were worried about her getting lost.

Oscar

He always buys things at the shops twice.

Tommy

He drinks and then forgets he has already had some, so drinks more.

Jack

He forgets what he's looking for and then gets cross with us.

Olly

This information was updated in November 2021 and is due for review in November 2023. Please contact us if you would like a version with references.