What is dementia?

Dementia is not part of the natural ageing process.

Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It's an umbrella term for over 100 different types of illnesses and disease symptoms. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with day to day tasks, language and problem-solving.

Alzheimer Scotland provides information, support and dementia-friendly activities to help make sure nobody faces dementia alone.

In this section

About dementia

In Scotland, over 90,000 people have dementia. It is most common in older people but can affect people in their 40s and 50s or even younger.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain which causes dementia. Over half the people in Scotland who have dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is a common form of dementia but many people have never heard of it.

Rarer forms of dementia

We've put together information on some of the rarer forms of dementia including Korsakoff's syndrome, Frontotemporal dementia, Posterior cortical atrophy and more...

Further information

Newly diagnosed

Support and information for anyone diagnosed with dementia.

Getting a diagnosis

Guidance for people who are worried that they, or someone they know, may have dementia.

Getting support

Support and activities available to anyone worried about their memory, has a diagnosis of dementia or is supporting someone with dementia.

24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline

Emotional support and signposting advice, available 24 hours, everyday of the year.

What is dementia?

What is dementia?