Dementia is an umbrella term for several symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills. These may include memory loss, disorientation to time and place, problems with abstract thinking, difficulty performing familiar tasks, and poor or decreased judgement.

Dementia affects not only the person with dementia but also those surrounding them, as most patients require care in the long-term.

The most well known type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease but there are other disorders that are similar to Alzheimer that can cause dementia e.g. vascular dementia is a disorder caused by the disruption of blood flow to the brain. This may be the result of a massive stroke or several tiny strokes.

More information about all forms of dementia can be obtained from the Alzheimer's Society.

If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, you should consult your doctor. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other disorders causing dementia is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care, and support services.

Please note, dementia-like symptoms can also be caused by treatable conditions, such as severe depression, urinary infection, vitamin deficiency and brain tumour.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust has supported the publication of a new guide for carers of people with dementia in the county. Dementia Carers' Pathways Devon provides a range of useful information about local dementia services and support organisations.

The Devon Partnership NHS Trust have also created a useful Youtube channel covering all aspects of Dementia

Further Information:

Living Well with Dementia – the National Dementia Strategy Action plan for Devon (154KB - pdf help)

South West Dementia Awareness Campaign

National Dementia Awareness Campaign

Links:

Alzheimer's Society - Singing for the Brain

BBC News - Singing for the Brain