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.
Dementia can affect all aspects of a person's life, as well as their family's. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, or you are caring for someone with the condition, remember that there is advice and support available to help you live well.
If you have a long term health condition, making an anticipatory care plan can help you get back in control over what's important to you.
Anticipatory care planning (ACP) means that health and care practitioners work with people and their carers to ensure that the right thing is done at the right time by the right person.