Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory, reasoning, language, and other cognitive abilities that interfere with everyday life. While there are over 100 types of dementia, the following are the most common:

• Alzheimer’s disease: The most prevalent form of dementia, affecting short-term memory and language in its early stages. It accounts for nearly 70% of all dementia diagnoses.

• Vascular dementia: Often caused by a series of small strokes, this type can lead to sudden changes in cognition, behaviour, and judgement.

• Lewy body dementia: The third most common form, characterised by hallucinations, delusions, and issues with movement and balance.

• Frontotemporal dementia: Caused by progressive damage to specific parts of the brain, it can lead to changes in personality, impulsivity, language difficulties, and apathy.

There is currently no cure, but there are medications and lifestyle approaches that can help manage symptoms—making timely diagnosis and treatment essential. If you or someone you care for is showing signs of memory loss or cognitive difficulties, speak with your GP.

It’s important to know that more than half of older adults with some form of cognitive decline never receive a formal diagnosis. However, the challenges families face are very real—with or without a diagnosis. Early diagnosis, often as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), may present as small changes in memory or behaviour, and does not always lead to severe dementia.