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 simple. Every brain tells its own story.
Progress is slow, but love and care still lead the way.
Cures take time. Connection, dignity, and joy don’t.

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 more often about inappropriate behaviour and emotional and communication problems.

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 used 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 remains 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.

Science Note

Dementia is caused by a range of brain changes that disrupt communication between neurons and if you want to find out more then useful sources include Alzheimer’s Society UK, NHS, NICE Clinical Guidelines 2023.

Dementia Defined