A dementia diagnosis can bring many questions. Families may want to understand what dementia is, what causes it, how it may affect a person’s life, and how they can provide the right support.
Westgate Healthcare has created this simple guide to answer some of the most common questions families ask, including what is dementia, whether dementia is a disease, whether dementia is a mental illness, and how families can support someone living with dementia.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, nearly one million people are living with dementia in the UK, making understanding the condition more important than ever. By sharing straightforward, evidence-based information, we hope to help families feel more informed, confident and supported throughout the dementia journey.
Key things to remember About Dementia:
- Dementia is not a mental illness or one single disease. It is an umbrella term for symptoms cause by diseases and conditions that affect the brain.
- Dementia affects everyone differently.
- Dementia can affect anyone, and developing the condition is not simply the result of lifestyle choices.
- A diagnosis does not define a person.
- Support should focus on the individual’s needs, interests and preferences.
- Families do not have to navigate dementia alone.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by diseases that affect the brain. The simplest definition of dementia is a decline of cognitive abilities that is significant enough to affect everyday life. Dementia is not one single disease; several different diseases can cause dementia symptoms.
The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience changes in memory, while others may notice difficulties with communication, problem-solving, judgement, mood or behaviour.
Although memory loss is often associated with dementia, it is only one possible symptom. Dementia affects each person differently depending on the type of dementia they have, the areas of the brain affected and their own individual circumstances.
Is Dementia a Disease?
Dementia is not one specific disease. It is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms caused by different diseases and conditions that damage the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common disease that causes dementia, while other causes include vascular disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.
Understanding the type of dementia someone has can help explain why the condition affects people differently and why support should always be tailored to the individual.
What Are the Different Types of Dementia?
There are many different types of dementia, but the majority of diagnoses fall into the following categories:
- Alzheimer’s disease – the most common type of dementia, often associated with changes in memory, thinking and communication.
- Vascular dementia – caused by changes to blood flow in the brain and may affect planning, decision-making and problem-solving.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies – which can involve changes in movement, concentration, sleep and perception.
- Frontotemporal dementia – which may cause changes in personality, behaviour or language.
- Mixed dementia – where more than one type of dementia is present
A dementia diagnosis does not define who a person is. Many people living with dementia continue to enjoy relationships, hobbies, interests and meaningful experiences. Understanding the individual behind the diagnosis is an important part of providing the right support.
Is Dementia a Mental Illness?
Dementia is not a mental illness. It is a condition caused by diseases that affect the brain.
Although dementia can change the way a person thinks, communicates or behaves, it does not define who they are. Some people living with dementia may also experience mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, but these are separate from dementia itself.
Understanding this difference can help reduce stigma and encourage more compassionate support for people living with dementia.
Can Dementia Be Prevented?
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent dementia. Dementia can develop for many different reasons, and in many cases the exact cause is not known.
Some factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing dementia, including age, genetics and certain health conditions. For example, vascular dementia can be linked to conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain, such as stroke. People with certain genetic conditions, including Down syndrome, also have a higher likelihood of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, although this does not mean everyone will develop the condition.
Looking after overall health and wellbeing may help reduce some risk factors associated with dementia. Staying physically active, maintaining social connections, eating a balanced diet, managing health conditions and keeping the mind engaged can all support brain health and overall wellbeing.
It is important to remember that dementia can affect anyone, and developing the condition is not simply the result of lifestyle choices.
When Should You Seek Advice About Dementia?
If you notice changes in a loved one’s memory, communication, behaviour or ability to manage everyday tasks, it may be helpful to seek advice from a GP or healthcare professional.
Changes do not always mean someone has dementia, as similar symptoms can sometimes be linked to other causes. Seeking advice can help identify what may be happening and ensure the right support is available.
Learning more about dementia can also help families, friends and communities feel more confident when supporting someone they care about.
What Does Living with Dementia Mean?
A diagnosis of dementia can bring many emotions and questions, both for the person receiving the diagnosis and for those around them. While dementia is a progressive condition, it does not mean someone immediately loses their independence or stops enjoying the things that matter to them.
Many people continue to enjoy fulfilling lives after a diagnosis. They may continue taking part in hobbies, spending time with family and friends, following familiar routines and creating new memories.
Living with dementia looks different for everyone. Some people may need only a little additional support, while others may require more help as their needs change over time.
Taking the time to understand someone’s life story, interests, routines and preferences can make a meaningful difference. The things that bring comfort, confidence and enjoyment will be different for every person.
Most importantly, dementia does not change who someone is. With understanding, patience and compassionate support, people living with dementia can continue to experience connection, friendship and meaningful moments.
How Can Families Support Someone Living with Dementia?
Supporting someone living with dementia can feel overwhelming at times, but small changes in the way we communicate, spend time together and provide reassurance can make a meaningful difference.
Focus on the Person, Not Just the Diagnosis
The most important thing is to focus on the person, not just the diagnosis. Understanding their life story, interests, routines and preferences can help families provide support that feels familiar and meaningful.
Encouraging someone to continue doing the things they enjoy, involving them in everyday decisions and supporting their independence can help maintain confidence and a sense of purpose.
Meaningful Activities and Experiences
Meaningful experiences do not have to be complicated. Often, familiar activities bring the greatest comfort and connection. This could include:
- Listening to favourite music
- Looking through family photographs
- Spending time outdoors
- Gardening
- Baking a favourite recipe
- Sharing conversations over a cup of tea
- Taking part in hobbies and creative activities
There is no single approach that works for everyone. What matters is understanding the individual; their interests, abilities, life experiences and the things that bring them joy.
Supporting Communication and Connection
Maintaining connections with others is also an important part of wellbeing. Time spent with family, friendships, community activities and shared experiences can help people feel valued, included and connected.
Communication may also change as dementia progresses. Speaking calmly, allowing extra time for responses and listening with patience can help someone feel understood. If a person struggles to find the right words or remember something, reassurance and encouragement are often more helpful than correction.
Supporting Families Throughout the Dementia Journey
Families also need support throughout the dementia journey. Having access to trusted information, guidance and opportunities to learn more about dementia can help families feel more confident and prepared.
At Westgate Healthcare, we believe dementia-friendly communities start with understanding, education and compassion. Through initiatives with Training2Care, including the Dementia Training Vehicle, we help families, communities and care teams gain a greater understanding of some of the experiences people living with dementia may face, encouraging empathy and more compassionate support.
At Westgate Healthcare, we recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dementia care. By taking the time to understand each person’s life story, interests and what matters most to them, we create opportunities for people to continue living with dignity, purpose and connection. We believe that, with the right support, understanding and compassion, people living with dementia can continue to enjoy meaningful experiences and moments of joy throughout every stage of their journey.
Further Support and Information
If you would like to learn more about dementia, the following organisations provide trusted information, advice and support for people living with dementia and their families:
Alzheimer’s Society – Information about dementia, types of dementia, support services and advice for families.
Dementia UK – Specialist dementia support and guidance, including support from Admiral Nurses.
NHS – Information about dementia symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and accessing support.