Conditions

Dementia

A decline in memory and thinking that is severe enough to affect daily life.

About this condition

Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions in which memory, thinking, language and behaviour decline enough to affect everyday life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, but there are others, including dementia caused by strokes.

Early assessment helps to identify treatable causes of memory problems, plan care and support families.

Common symptoms

  • Memory loss, especially for recent events
  • Difficulty with familiar tasks
  • Confusion about time or place
  • Problems with language or finding words
  • Changes in mood, personality or behaviour
  • Poor judgement or difficulty planning

Having one or more of these does not by itself mean you have a particular condition. A doctor's assessment is needed to find the cause.

How it is assessed

  1. A history from the patient and a family member.
  2. A cognitive assessment of memory and thinking.
  3. Blood tests and brain imaging, where advised, to look for other causes.

Who may be affected

  • Older adults with worsening memory
  • People with a history of strokes, high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Families noticing changes in a loved one

Preparing for your appointment

It helps to bring:

  • Previous medical reports, prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
  • MRI or CT scan films and reports, if you have them
  • A list of all the medicines you take, with their doses
  • A short note of your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and what makes them better or worse

How the clinic can help

  • Explaining the findings and possible causes.
  • Discussing treatment and support options.
  • Planning for safety and care at home.

Recommendations depend on the clinician's assessment of your individual situation. This website cannot diagnose your condition or guarantee a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

Is dementia a normal part of ageing?

No. Some slowing of memory can happen with age, but dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Can dementia be treated?

Some causes of memory problems are treatable. For many types of dementia, treatment and support can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Clinic locations

Please confirm the OPD day, timings and availability of this service when you book.

This page gives general information to help you understand this topic. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

In an emergency

If you or someone with you has sudden weakness or numbness, facial drooping, slurred speech, a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, a sudden severe headache or loss of consciousness, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not wait for an appointment or rely on this website.

Call 112

Book an appointment or contact the clinic

Call or send a WhatsApp message to ask about appointment times at the Patna, Ara and Siwan clinics.