Dementia 1: types, risk factors, and recognising signs and symptoms

Abstract

Dementia is characterised by behavioural changes, and loss of cognitive and social functioning brought about by progressive neurological disorders. Undiagnosed dementia can have an insidious and devastating effect on outcomes for people with a possible dementia and their families, but we now know more about its causes and some of the factors - both modifiable and non-modifiable - that can increase a person's risk of developing the condition. This is the first article in a series to help nurses consider dementia and its recognition, assessment, treatment and management throughout its life course. Each article will build on an understanding of dementia that promotes the best possible care for those affected by the condition.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• A description of the main types and causes of dementia

• The risk factors for developing dementia

• How to improve identification and diagnosis of dementia