Dementia Unraveled: Types, Symptoms, and Progression

According to Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040 due to population growth, and an ageing population. 

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. It is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome, which is characterised by a deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform daily tasks.

The key characteristics of dementia include:

• Memory loss – difficulty remembering recent events, names or conversations.
• Cognitive decline – problems with reasoning, judgement and problem-solving.
• Communication issues – difficulty in finding the right words or understanding language.
• Disorientation – confusion about time, place or identity.
• Mood and behaviour changes – anxiety, depression, personality changes or inappropriate behaviour.
• Impaired coordination – difficulty with physical tasks like walking or maintaining balance.

The risk of dementia increases significantly with age, particularly after age 65. Family history can play a role, particularly in early-onset dementia. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol can increase the risk of brain injury, head trauma or repeated concussions which can contribute to dementia.

Dementia is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, neurological assessments, cognitive tests and sometimes brain imaging. While there is no cure for most types of dementia, certain medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis can also provide better outcomes by allowing for planning and treatment of the condition.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

The key features of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Memory loss – one of the earliest and most common symptoms is difficulty remembering recent events, while long-term memories often remain intact in the early stages.
• Cognitive decline – over time, individuals experience impairments in thinking, reasoning, language and problem-solving. This decline gradually affects their ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Behavioural and personality changes – as the disease progresses, changes in personality and behaviour become more apparent, including mood swings, confusion, disorientation and even aggression.
• Brain changes – Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These abnormal protein deposits disrupt normal brain function and lead to the death of neurons, which are the brain’s nerve cells.

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. In the advanced stages, individuals lose the ability to communicate, recognise loved ones, and care for themselves. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but age is the most significant risk factor. Genetics, family history, lifestyle and environmental factors may also play a role.

There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests, and brain imaging. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, certain medications and lifestyle interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of symptoms and supporting patients and their families.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to damage or death of brain cells. The condition can occur due to various problems that affect the blood vessels in the brain, such as a stroke which blocks the blood flow to the brain, or conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels) and chronic high blood pressure, which can lead to small vessel disease in the brain.

The key features of vascular dementia include:

• Cognitive decline – the symptoms of vascular dementia can vary, but they generally involve cognitive decline that affects memory, reasoning, problem-solving and attention. This decline is often more sudden in onset compared to Alzheimer’s disease, particularly if it follows a stroke.
• Progression – the progression of vascular dementia can be stepwise, with periods of stability followed by sudden declines in function, especially if there are repeated strokes or other vascular events.
• Memory loss – similar to other forms of dementia, memory problems are common.
• Impaired planning and reasoning – difficulty organising thoughts or actions, solving problems or making decisions.
• Emotional and personality changes – mood swings, depression, apathy, or anxiety are common.
• Physical symptoms – depending on the affected brain area, there might be physical symptoms such as difficulty walking, balance problems, or weakness on one side of the body.

Diagnosing vascular dementia involves a combination of medical history, neurological exams, brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) and cognitive testing. The diagnosis may also include assessing risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.

While there is no cure for vascular dementia, managing the underlying conditions, for example controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes and avoiding strokes, can help slow the progression of the disease. Treatment also focuses on improving symptoms and maintaining quality of life through medications, cognitive therapies and lifestyle changes.

Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing vascular dementia and improving the prognosis.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by the abnormal build-up of protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, in the brain. These deposits primarily consist of a protein called alpha-synuclein, and they interfere with normal brain function, affecting both cognitive abilities and motor control.

The two main types of LBD are:

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) – this form of LBD is marked by early symptoms of cognitive decline, such as memory problems, difficulty in reasoning and confusion. Hallucinations, especially visual ones, are also common. People with DLB often experience fluctuations in attention and alertness and may have symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness, tremors and difficulty with movement.
• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) – this form occurs when a person with an established diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease later develops dementia. The symptoms are similar to DLB, but PDD is diagnosed when cognitive decline begins at least a year after the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms.

The key symptoms are:

• Cognitive impairment – memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving and impaired judgement.
• Movement disorders – stiffness, slow movement, tremors and shuffling walk.
• Visual hallucinations – seeing things that aren’t there, often vivid and detailed.
• Sleep disturbances – REM sleep behaviour disorder, where people act out their dreams, sometimes violently.
• Fluctuating attention – variability in alertness and cognitive function, sometimes within the same day.
• Autonomic dysfunction – problems with blood pressure, heart rate and digestion due to the involvement of the autonomic nervous system

Diagnosing LBD can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with other neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests and sometimes brain imaging.

While there is no cure for LBD, treatments focus on managing symptoms. This may include medications to address cognitive symptoms, motor problems and psychiatric issues like hallucinations or depression. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and lifestyle changes, can also help improve quality of life.

LBD is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms worsen over time. The rate of progression can vary, but on average, individuals live between 5 to 8 years after diagnosis, although some may live longer with proper care and management.

Lewy body dementia is a complex and challenging condition that requires a comprehensive approach to care, often involving a team of healthcare providers, support for caregivers, and careful attention to the individual’s evolving needs.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders caused by progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are responsible for personality, behaviour and language, so FTD primarily affects these functions. It is one of the less common types of dementia but is the most common form of dementia in people under 60.

FTD can manifest in different ways, generally categorised into three main types:

• Behavioural Variant FTD (bvFTD) – this is the most common form of FTD. It primarily affects personality and behaviour. People with bvFTD may exhibit changes in judgement, inappropriate social behaviour, loss of empathy and apathy. They may also show compulsive behaviours or experience changes in their eating habits.
• Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) – this type affects language skills, including speaking, understanding speech, reading and writing. PPA can be further divided into the semantic variant, which is difficulty understanding the meaning of words and recognising objects or faces, and the non-fluent variant, which is problems with speech production, making speech slow and effortful, often with grammatical errors.
• FTD with Motor Neuron Disease is associated with motor neuron disease, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It includes motor symptoms like muscle weakness, twitching and difficulty with movement.

Symptoms of FTD include:

• Behavioural changes – apathy, disinhibition, a lack of empathy, impulsivity and socially inappropriate behaviour.
• Language difficulties – difficulty finding words, reduced vocabulary, loss of speech or difficulty understanding language.
• Motor symptoms – coordination problems, muscle weakness and difficulty walking, particularly in FTD with motor neuron disease.

FTD is often linked to abnormal proteins in the brain, which clump together and damage brain cells. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics can play a significant role, especially in cases with a family history of the disease.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of neuropsychological tests, brain imaging, such as MRI or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, and sometimes genetic testing. There is no cure for FTD, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Medications may be used to address specific symptoms, and therapies such as speech or occupational therapy can help manage the effects of the disease.

FTD is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time. The progression rate varies, but people with FTD generally live 6-8 years after symptoms begin, though some may live longer. The disease eventually leads to severe cognitive and physical disability.

Other Types

Mixed Dementia is a combination of two or more types of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. A mixture of symptoms associated with each type of dementia is present. Multiple factors are involved, often involving both vascular and neurodegenerative changes.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to dementia. Symptoms include a cognitive decline, mood changes and motor symptoms such as involuntary movements. 

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive form of dementia caused by abnormal prion proteins that lead to brain damage. Symptoms include a rapidly worsening memory, behavioural changes and motor dysfunction. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions which cause brain cells to die, leading to severe brain damage.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a type of dementia associated with chronic alcohol abuse and severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Symptoms include memory problems, confusion, difficulty with coordination and hallucinations.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of dementia caused by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. Symptoms include difficulty walking, urinary incontinence and cognitive decline. It is caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain’s ventricles, which can sometimes be treated with a shunt to drain the excess fluid.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a rare form of dementia that primarily affects the back part of the brain, leading to visual processing issues. The symptoms are difficulties with visual tasks, such as reading or recognising objects, rather than memory loss. It is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative diseases affecting the occipital and parietal lobes.

Each type of dementia has distinct characteristics, though there is often overlap in symptoms. Early diagnosis and understanding the specific type can help in managing the condition effectively.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

Cognitive Symptoms

The common cognitive symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss–- short-term memory loss is often one of the first signs, where individuals may forget recent events or conversations and have difficulty remembering names, dates and important information.
• Difficulty with communication – struggling to find the right words during conversations, repeating the same words or phrases and having trouble following or participating in conversations.
• Impaired reasoning and problem-solving – difficulty making decisions or solving problems. Inability to follow a sequence of steps, such as following a recipe or managing finances.
• Disorientation – getting lost in familiar places and confusion about time, such as forgetting the date or season.
• Difficulty with planning and organising – trouble managing tasks that were once routine, such as paying bills or following a schedule.
• Difficulty in organising thoughts or actions – judgement and decision-making.
• Difficulty understanding risks and consequences – poor judgement in situations, leading to unsafe behaviours.
• Decreased attention span – difficulty focusing on tasks or activities and becoming easily distracted and having trouble maintaining concentration.
• Impaired visual-spatial abilities – difficulty judging distances or navigating spaces.
• Difficulty recognising faces or common objects.
• Confusion and agitation – episodes of confusion about where they are or what they are doing.
• Decreased interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable – withdrawal from social activities or lack of motivation to engage with others.

These symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of dementia, and not all individuals will experience all symptoms. If these symptoms are noticed, it’s important to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management.

The behavioural symptoms of dementia are a common and challenging aspect of the condition, affecting both the individual and their caregivers. These symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of dementia, the stage of the disease and individual differences. Some of the most common behavioural symptoms include:

• Agitation and restlessness – a common behaviour where the person may walk aimlessly, often trying to go home or find something.
• Pacing – repeatedly walking back and forth due to restlessness.
• Fidgeting – constant movement, such as rubbing hands, pulling at clothing or tapping feet.
• Aggression – verbal aggression which can include shouting, screaming or swearing.
• Physical aggression – this can include hitting, biting, kicking or other physical acts of aggression.
• Anxiety and fearfulness – the person may appear anxious, worried or fearful without an obvious cause. They may frequently ask questions, seek reassurance or cling to a caregiver.
• Depression – loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, withdrawal from social interaction and a general sense of sadness or hopelessness.
• Paranoia and delusions – the person may become suspicious, believing that others are stealing from them, spying on them or intending to harm them. They may have false beliefs, such as thinking that a spouse is an imposter or that they are living in a different time or place.
• Hallucinations – this can include seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there. Visual hallucinations are more common but can include other senses.
• Sleep disturbances – this can include difficulty falling or staying asleep or confusion between day and night, leading to sleeping during the day and being awake at night or night wandering where they get up and walk around the house at night.
• Apathy and indifference – lack of motivation or interest in activities or emotional flatness, where the person seems unresponsive or disengaged.
• Repetitive behaviours – this can include repeating the same question or phrase over and over or performing the same task repeatedly, such as folding clothes or rearranging objects.
• Sexual inappropriateness – inappropriate sexual comments or behaviours, such as undressing in public or making sexual advances.
• Changes in eating habits – including having an increased or decreased appetite or unusual food preferences, forgetting how to eat or not recognising food.
• Social withdrawal – avoiding social situations and isolating themselves from others or reduced communication and interaction with family and friends.
• Sun-downing – increased confusion, agitation and behavioural problems that worsen in the late afternoon or evening.
• Disinhibition – loss of social norms, such as making inappropriate comments or acting impulsively without considering the consequences.

These behavioural symptoms can be distressing for both the individual with dementia and their caregivers. It’s important to approach these behaviours with patience, understanding and appropriate interventions, which may include medication, environmental adjustments or therapeutic approaches.

Functional Symptoms

Some of the functional symptoms associated with dementia include:

• Difficulty with complex tasks – including challenges in organising tasks, managing finances or following instructions.
• Impaired judgement and reasoning – making poor decisions or exercising poor judgement. Difficulty assessing risks or understanding the consequences of actions.
• Personal care – challenges with grooming, dressing, bathing and eating.
• Incontinence – the loss of control over bladder and bowel functions, often leading to embarrassment or shame.
• Household tasks – difficulty performing tasks such as cooking, cleaning or managing medications.
• Coordination – reduced coordination, leading to difficulty walking, balance problems or frequent falls.
• Motor skills – difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or writing.

Progression of Dementia

Early Stage

Dementia is generally categorised into three stages – early, middle and late stage – each with distinct symptoms and challenges.

In the early stage, symptoms are mild, and the person can still function relatively independently. However, subtle changes in cognition and behaviour begin to emerge. The person may forget recent events, misplace items or have trouble remembering names and appointments. 

There may be some difficulty with managing complex tasks, and managing finances, planning and decision-making may become challenging. They might struggle to find the right words or follow conversations and mild changes in mood, such as increased irritability or anxiety, may occur. There may be some difficulty with navigation or becoming lost in familiar places may be noticeable and they may start to withdraw from activities or social situations they once enjoyed.

Middle Stage

In the middle stage, symptoms become more pronounced, and the individual will require more assistance with daily activities. There may be increased memory loss such as forgetting personal history, names of close family members or even one’s own address. The person may become confused about time, place or who people are, even in familiar settings. Language problems become more severe, with the person struggling to understand or follow conversations, leading to frustration. Tasks like dressing, bathing or preparing meals may require assistance. 

Mood swings, aggression, paranoia or hallucinations may develop. Wandering, especially at night, and repetitive behaviours like hand-wringing may emerge. Loss of bladder or bowel control might begin in this stage.

Late Stage

In the late stage, the individual experiences severe cognitive and physical decline, requiring full-time care. The person may lose the ability to recognise close family members, remember their own history or even understand their surroundings. Speech becomes very limited, with the person possibly only using a few words or losing the ability to speak altogether. Basic physical abilities like walking, sitting, swallowing or controlling movements, are significantly impaired. The person will require help with all daily activities, including eating, dressing and bathing.

Due to their weakened physical state, they are more prone to infections like pneumonia. The person may show little interest in their surroundings and become increasingly unresponsive to external stimuli.

Variability in Progression

The progression of dementia does vary from person to person, but generally follows the pattern of mild cognitive decline in the early stage, more noticeable impairment in the middle stage, and profound loss of function in the late stage. Each stage brings different challenges, both for the individual and their caregivers, and typically requires increasing levels of support and medical care.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnostic Process

Diagnosing dementia involves a comprehensive process that includes medical history, physical and neurological examinations, cognitive testing, laboratory tests and brain imaging. The goal is to determine whether the patient has dementia and the type of dementia, and to rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.

The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, including any history of memory problems, other neurological symptoms or mental health issues. Family history of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases is also important as well as gathering information about changes in memory, behaviour and daily functioning. The duration and progression of symptoms are key indicators.

A physical examination can help identify any conditions that might be causing symptoms, such as cardiovascular issues or signs of infection. This includes assessing reflexes, coordination, muscle strength and eye movement. The neurologist will check for signs of neurological damage that could suggest conditions other than dementia.

Standardised tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are used to assess memory, attention, language and problem-solving abilities. These tests provide a score that helps determine the severity of cognitive impairment. More extensive testing might be performed by a neuropsychologist to assess various cognitive domains in more detail.

Blood tests are usually conducted in order to rule out other conditions that could cause dementia-like symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, infections or metabolic problems.

Depending on the patient’s history, other tests may be done to check for toxins, drug interactions or other factors.

CT or MRI scans are used to look for brain changes associated with different types of dementia. For example, an MRI can identify brain atrophy, strokes, tumours or other structural abnormalities. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can identify abnormal protein deposits like amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Techniques like fMRI or SPECT might be used to assess brain activity and blood flow.

In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is analysed to look for biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid-beta or tau proteins.

If there is a family history of dementia, genetic testing might be done to identify mutations associated with hereditary forms of dementia.

The physician will consider and rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, delirium, medication side effects or sleep disorders. Based on all the gathered information, the doctor will try to identify the type of dementia.

The final diagnosis is based on the combination of cognitive testing, medical history, physical exams, lab results and imaging studies. Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring the progression of the disease, adjusting treatment plans and providing support to the patient and caregivers. This process is typically carried out by a team of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and other specialists.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial for several reasons, both for the individual affected and their loved ones. 

While there is no cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis allows for the timely introduction of treatments that can help manage symptoms, slow progression in some cases and improve quality of life.

Early diagnosis provides access to various support services, including counselling, occupational therapy and social services, that can help individuals and their families cope with the disease.

Early diagnosis enables individuals to make important legal, financial and personal decisions while they are still able. This might include arranging power of attorney, creating a will or making plans for future care. It allows people to express their preferences regarding care, living arrangements and other important aspects of their life.

Identifying dementia early can lead to lifestyle changes that may slow the progression of the disease, such as engaging in cognitive exercises, maintaining a healthy diet and staying socially active. It allows healthcare providers to better manage other health conditions that can exacerbate dementia symptoms, like cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Early diagnosis can provide an explanation for symptoms that might have been worrying or confusing, helping reduce anxiety and uncertainty. It allows family members to understand the condition and offer better support, fostering a more compassionate and informed environment for the individual. It allows caregivers to prepare and educate themselves on how to care for someone with dementia, which can reduce stress and improve care quality.

Overall, early diagnosis of dementia helps in managing the disease more effectively, providing a better quality of life, and ensuring that individuals and their families can plan and make informed decisions about their future.

Management and Support

Medical and Therapeutic Interventions

Medication like Donepezil, Rivastigmine and Galantamine are used primarily for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. These drugs work by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Memantine is another drug used in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It regulates the activity of glutamate, another neurotransmitter involved in cognitive functions, thereby helping to reduce symptoms.

Antipsychotics are sometimes used to manage behavioural symptoms such as aggression or severe agitation. However, they are used with caution due to the risk of side effects, including an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults with dementia. Antidepressants may be prescribed if the patient is experiencing depression, a common comorbidity with dementia. Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines might be used short-term to manage anxiety, but their use is limited due to the risk of dependence and worsening cognitive impairment.

Non-pharmacological interventions such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) involve engaging patients in structured activities and discussions designed to improve cognitive functions. It is typically done in group settings and has shown benefits in improving cognition and quality of life.

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy focuses on helping patients retain or regain specific cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention and problem-solving skills, through tailored exercises and strategies.

Techniques like behaviour modification can help manage challenging behaviours by identifying triggers and implementing strategies to reduce them.

Regular physical exercise, such as walking, swimming or strength training, can improve overall well-being, mobility and cognitive function. Exercise also helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Occupational therapists help dementia patients maintain their independence in daily activities. This might include teaching strategies for dressing, eating and other essential tasks. Engaging in music, art and other creative activities can help improve mood, reduce agitation and enhance the overall quality of life.

Reminiscence therapy involves discussing past experiences, often with the help of photographs, music or other familiar items. It can help improve mood and cognitive function by stimulating memories.

Adapting the living environment to make it safer and easier to navigate can significantly enhance a person with dementia’s quality of life. This includes things like clear signage, proper lighting and removing hazards.

In advanced stages, palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life, addressing both physical symptoms and emotional needs.

Caregiving and Support

Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming. Providing education, resources and support groups for caregivers is crucial, as they play a vital role in the patient’s care. Carers often experience stress, anxiety or depression. Professional counselling or therapy can provide a safe space to discuss these feelings.

Joining a support group, either in-person or online, allows carers to connect with others facing similar challenges. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice and a sense of community. Respite care services can also help reduce caregiver stress.

As dementia progresses, patients may lose the ability to make decisions about their care. Advance care planning, including discussions about living wills and power of attorney, helps ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected.

Age UK offer community based support services for dementia patients and their carers.    

If you are looking after someone with dementia, the NHS offer some useful information about where you can access support.  

Community and Social Support

Social interactions and activities in the community help stimulate cognitive functions. Activities such as participating in group discussions, hobbies or community events can help slow the progression of dementia by keeping the brain active.

Other benefits include:

• Reduction in isolation
• Emotional support
• Encourages physical activity
• Access to resources
• Sense of purpose
• Contribution to society
• Routine and structure
• Social connections
• Reduced caregiver burden
• Provides support networks
• Improved quality of life
• Access to therapeutic activities

Alzheimer’s Society provide local activity groups, from arts and crafts to other activities like walking and yoga. 

Conclusion

Dementia remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, affecting millions of individuals and their families globally. As our population ages, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise, making it essential to invest in research, care and support systems. 

Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with dementia, while also easing the burden on caregivers. By encouraging a better understanding of the disease and promoting a compassionate approach to care, society can ensure that individuals with dementia are treated with dignity and respect throughout their journey. 

It is through collective efforts in research, policy and community support that we can hope to mitigate the impact of this complex and often devastating condition.