About 1 in 65 people in the UK have dementia.

Around 1 in 11 people aged over 65 have dementia.

Theme: The Burnout and the Broken

Quick Take:

Dementia isn’t one condition but a term for several different brain diseases, each with its own pattern, challenges, and needs. Getting the type right really matters.
Progress is real, but slow: Earlier tests, smarter scans, and some helpful drugs are emerging -but there’s no cure yet, and good care still outweighs clever tech.
Life doesn’t wait for science so until investment and cures catch up, focusing on what still works - connection, dignity, health, and joy - is how we can live well now.

Simple Summary While You’re Here

There are loads of places online that can provide information on dementia but I thought I’d do a quick summary - in case you’re sticking around and you’re interested!

Several brain diseases and injuries lead to dementia but the most common types are Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Frontotemporal Dementia. Alzheimer’s accounts for the majority of cases.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease: 60-70% of all people who have dementia It’s caused by a build-up of abnormal proteins that damage brain cells; it typically starts with memory problems and there is a slow steady decline.

Vascular

Vascular Dementia: between 15-20% of people this is all about reduced blood flow and damage to vessels in the brain; in the early stages it commonly affects our speed of thinking, processing and planning and the progression is more unpredictable, such as after a stroke.

Lewy Body

Dementia with Lewy Bodies: around 5-10% Caused by clumps of protein that build up in any part of the brain but more commonly in areas that are responsible for thought, movement, visual perception and sleep; it is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease but in the early days it is more likely to affect movement and cause hallucination and delusions.

Frontotemporal

Frontotemporal dementia - up to 5% of everyone with dementia. This covers a group of dementias that mainly affect the part of your brain just behind your forehead (frontal) and the side parts, near your ears (temporal); early symptoms are not about memory loss but more about inappropriate behaviour, emotional changes and trouble communicating as well as walking.

Mixed Dementia

Mixed Dementia - Around 10%. Usually a mix of Alzheimer’s and Vascular

Young-onset dementia

Young-onset dementia is usually described when symptoms begin before the age of 65 years. It affects a smaller but definitely very significant number of people and brings unique challenges because sufferers are often still managing a family and finances and work.

Glimmers of Progress

And where are we on early detection, diagnosis and treatment? As of the end of 2025.

a new blood test to detect Alzheimer’s earlier is being developed in Australia
AI is being use to recognise different dementia types from one single scan
University College Hospital in London is trying to find ways to reduce scanning time
Multiple research programmes continue throughout the world. E.G might the shingles vaccination lower the risk?
There are already drugs that are useful in slowing things down
Lifestyle remain important - so that is exercise, diet, managing blood pressure, diabetes etc. These healthy ways of living support a healthy brain.

While we wait for investment in specialist support and for a cure - you can maybe understand why it’s probably useful to talk less about loss, & more about what lasts, what’s found & what really matters.

Dementia Defined