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‘What is dementia?’ is a question we get asked a lot. Here’s everything you need to know about dementia, including what it is, the causes, and rarer types.
The word 'dementia' describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.
Around 19 out of 20 people with dementia have 1 of 4 main types; Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are many rarer diseases and conditions that can lead to dementia, dementia-like symptoms or mild cognitive impairment.
Rarer types of dementia include Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, and Posterior cortical atrophy.
A person with a rarer type of dementia might have different symptoms, particularly during the early stages of the condition.
Knowing the type of dementia is important as it may allow the person to get the right treatment, care, and support.
It is very important for anyone who has regular problems with their memory or thinking to be assessed by a health professional.
For more information on rare types of dementia, visit spkl.io/6014foJHy.
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