Care Homes NHS Lothian | Our Services

Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is a neurological condition; this means that it is a physical one and that you can get help. This is not a normal part of ageing and people of all ages can develop dementia, although it is more common in older people.

Although there isn’t a cure for dementia at the moment, getting a diagnosis as early as you can means that in some cases it could be slowed down and the person may be able to maintain normal function for longer. It also means that you can get the right support and help and prepare for the future, living a normal life for as long as possible.

Older man and woman sitting on sofa holding hands
John Young

As the type of dementia progresses, more brain cells will become damaged. This affects a person’s thinking, behaviour, feelings and abilities. It may be mild at first but it will become worse (usually years) until the person needs help to do everyday activities.

Two older men sitting side by side smiling
John Young – www.youngmedia.co.uk


There are over 100 types of dementia which can present with different symptoms. It is possible to have more than one type at a time; this is called ‘mixed dementia’.

Although a lot of time has been spent on research we haven’t found a cure yet. But we now have medications that can help with some of the symptoms of the different types of dementia. We also now have more support available whether you are caring for someone with dementia or have been given a diagnosis yourself.

This page hopes to be able to provide you with information and resources which may be of assistance and signpost you to further resources.

What is dementia and some of the most common types
1. What is dementia
2. Alzheimer's Disease
3. Vascular Dementia
4. Dementia with Lewy Bodies
5a. Frontotemporal dementias (formerly known as Pick’s Disease) - Behaviour Variant
5b. Frontotemporal - Progressive Non Fluent Aphasia - language
5c. Frontotemporal - Semantic Dementia
6. Korsakoff's Syndrome
Flyer for the Essentials package training 2023 24

Resources and Information

Further information

For information on dementia education please see the Dementia education page opens a new window.