Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of families across the UK. The NHS says more than 944,000 people in the UK have dementia. Alzheimer’s Society puts the figure at around a million.
If you have just started to worry, or you have had a diagnosis, or you are caring for someone, it can be hard to know where to begin. This website sets out the facts in plain English. It explains what dementia is, how it is diagnosed and treated in the UK, and where to find help.
This is an information website. It does not give medical advice about your own situation. Your GP is the best first contact for any health worry.
Where to start
I am worried about my memory
Forgetting things now and then is common, and it is not always a sign of dementia. But if memory or thinking problems are getting worse, or are affecting daily life, it is worth speaking to a GP.
- Early signs of dementia, including how normal ageing differs from dementia
- Other causes of memory loss, such as low mood, poor sleep, vitamin B12 or thyroid problems
- Getting a diagnosis, from the first GP appointment to the NHS memory service
I have recently been diagnosed
A diagnosis can bring many feelings, from shock to relief. It can also open the door to treatment, support and time to plan.
- What is dementia? and types of dementia
- Treatment, including medicines and cognitive stimulation therapy
- Living well with dementia, including driving and staying independent
- Legal and money matters, such as Lasting Power of Attorney and benefits
I am caring for someone
Most people with dementia are supported at home by family and friends. Carers UK estimates there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK, caring for people with all kinds of conditions.
- Caring for someone with dementia: communication, changes in behaviour, breaks and planning ahead
- Looking after your own wellbeing: stress, sleep, guilt, grief and getting help
- Support and helplines across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Not a normal part of ageing
Dementia is more common as people get older. But the NHS is clear that it is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused by diseases that damage the brain. That is why it is worth getting symptoms checked rather than putting them down to age.
What this website covers
Each page explains one topic in short sections. Pages list the sources used, such as the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, Age UK, Carers UK and gov.uk.
The main topics are:
- the main types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and young-onset dementia
- how the NHS assesses memory problems
- medicines and other treatments, including an up-to-date note on newer antibody treatments
- everyday life, safety and planning ahead
- caring, benefits and legal matters
- answers to common questions
Carers need support too
Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding. It can also be tiring and lonely. In Carers UK’s State of Caring 2025 survey, 74% of carers said they had felt stressed or anxious, and 40% said they felt depressed.
If you are a carer, your own health matters. You can ask your council for a free carer’s assessment, talk to your GP, or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies in England for anxiety or depression.
If you need help now
If someone suddenly becomes confused, call 999 or go to A&E. Sudden confusion can be a sign of a serious illness such as an infection.
If you are struggling and feel unsafe, call 999, contact NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.