Dementia is often considered a disease although this is not correct; Dementia is a condition that affects the mind and impacts on an individual’s behaviour, thought process, feelings, decision making ability, their ability to make judgements and their speech. Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms caused by a range of different diseases that affect the brain.
Dementia is an umbrella term that includes many different diseases, the most common being Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal Dementia & Mixed Dementia. Dementia is often associated with an individual’s lack of ability to recall information or a notable decline in their memory, so much so that they have difficulty in performing daily tasks and carrying out day-to-day activities. It is a common misconception that Dementia only effects the elderly however, research is evidencing Dementia in younger people although over 65’s still make up the large proportion of the population affected by the condition.