Alzheimer's disease

​Dementia is a complex health problem, both because of the sheer number of underlying conditions that can cause it (more than 50) and because of its direct and indirect impact on people and the health system.

There is no cure for dementia, and while current treatments manage symptoms, they offer no prospect of recovery. But there are promising options.

Taking action in the following five areas may help reduce the risk of developing dementia, and delay its onset.

It is often helpful to categorise dementia into stages of severity to help doctors formulate a treatment plan, and for the person and their family to consider options for care.

Up to a third of risk factors for dementia re ones you could do something about.

Risk factors increase the likelihood of disease occurring. They do not inevitably cause dementia, but have a strong association.

When signs of cognitive decline and changes in personality or social behaviour can no longer be ignored, a GP visit is often the next step.