Causes of dementia

In this video we hear from leading scientists and biomedical experts in the field. They explain in plain English the science and the physiology of dementia and differentiate between the various types of dementia. Using clear visual aids, they help us make sense of this complex condition and how it affects the brain, which then affects behaviours. It gives us a fascinating insight into the mysteries of the brain. They tell us about treatments available and help us deepen our understanding of the medical condition.

This video can be used to help make the case for ensuring biomedical research continues into the causes and treatment of dementia.

Messages for practice

1. It is crucial to understand what lies behind the condition in order to help make sense of it and to know how to manage it.
2. There are many different forms of dementia.
3. Treatments are available that may slow the progress of the disease in some people.
4. Dementia is a disease that occurs mainly in old age. However, it is not caused by old age and is not a natural part of the ageing process.
5. Correct and early diagnosis is important.
    

Who will find this useful?

People with dementia, all care staff (both in care homes and home care providers), family carers, social workers, volunteers, members of the public, GPs and other medical staff (e.g. nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists).

• Useful links Open

  Alzheimer’s Society
  The Alzheimer’s Society produces over 80 factsheets on all sorts of topics related to dementia, including many that relate to early signs and diagnosis, including Risk factors for dementia (450), Assessment and diagnosis (426), After a diagnosis (471), and The progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (458).

  healthtalk
  The healthtalk website contains stories from 31 carers of people with dementia, some presented in videos, some in audio recordings. The stories cover a wide range of areas, including recognising the early signs of dementia and getting the diagnosis.

  NHS Choices
  NHS Choices describes itself as the ‘online front door to the NHS’. It is the UK’s biggest health website and includes an A–Z of health conditions, including dementia, as well as explaining about treatments and how the health system works. The Dementia Guide on this site includes a section on Getting a dementia diagnosis, Benefits of early dementia diagnosis, and What to do if you’ve just been diagnosed with dementia.

  Unlocking diagnosis: The key to improving the lives of people with dementia.
  This All-Party Parliamentary Group of Dementia publication reports on the APPG’s 2012 inquiry into differing diagnosis rates – and the barriers for lifting these – around the UK.

  World Alzheimer Report 2011: The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention
  The Alzheimer’s Disease International 2011 report investigated the benefits and disadvantages of early diagnosis and intervention for people with dementia, the implications of early diagnosis for health and social care costs, and best practice in early intervention around the world.

• Related pages from this section Open

  • Early signs and diagnosis of dementia
    • Early signs of dementia
    • Dementia risk factors
    • What else could it be?
    • Causes of dementia (video)
    • Why early diagnosis is important
    • Early diagnosis and drug treatment (video)
    • Getting a diagnosis
    • Diagnosis when someone has sensory loss