Dementia can affect all aspects of a person's life, as well as their family's.

Even if you have suspected for a while that you or someone you love might have dementia, the diagnosis may come as a shock. People with dementia shouldn't simply stop doing what they enjoy in life; instead, they should try to remain as independent as possible and continue to enjoy their usual activities.

However, the symptoms of dementia will usually get gradually worse. How quickly this occurs will depend on the general health of the person with dementia and on the type of dementia they have. Over time, people with dementia will need help to cope, or may need residential care in a home. It is natural to feel worried about the future, but you are not alone - whether you have dementia or you care for someone with the condition. NHS social services and voluntary organisations can provide advice and support to help you and your family.

If you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP about the early signs of dementia. As you get older, you may find that memory loss becomes a problem. It's normal for your memory to be affected by age, stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications. This can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life or is worrying you or someone you know, you should seek help from your GP.