Under the microscope: Dementia

Dementia: under the microscope | Symptoms of dementia | Preventing dementia

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Each week we look more closely at the most common health conditions.

This week, we're focusing on Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia means any kind of brain disorder that results in a loss of memory, difficulty speaking and problems with physical ability, like being clumsy. It can be minor or severe and you can have some form of dementia at any age, although it's most common in older people. Around 30% of people over 95 have dementia and it's believed that there are about 15,000 young people with dementia.

What's the difference between Alzheimer's and senile dementia?

Senile dementia is age-related dementia and usually occurs in your late 70s and 80s but in rare cases it can begin from around the age of 65.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects around 417,000 people in the UK. The structure of the brain changes, which kills brain cells. But recent research has also found that people with Alzheimer's lack some chemicals in the brain, which are involved with the transmission of messages within the brain. Over time, Alzheimer's gets worse as more parts of the brain are damaged and symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and speech problems become more severe.

What are the common causes of dementia?

There are several causes. Alzheimer's is the most common cause but a stroke and heart disease are also common causes. There are also rarer syndromes and diseases that may lead to dementia.

How do I know if I've got dementia or if one of my relatives has dementia?

Common symptoms are regularly forgetting things, especially stuff that you'd normally not need to think about, such as the route home from your local shop. If you or a relative often feels confused, you suddenly feel unsure of your surroundings, the people around you or what you are meant to be doing, then this could be a symptom. Speech problems and changes in mood are also common signs. However, diagnosing yourself or a relative is not a good idea as the symptoms of dementia are similar to several other disorders.

By Louise O'Connell