Dementia is not a single disease - it’s a general term that has been used to define a person’s impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, and it is caused by damage to the brain cells.

If you are concerned that you or a family member may be developing dementia, here are a few warning signs you should look out for:

• Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation in time and space
• Impaired judgement
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

There is not a singular test to determine whether someone has dementia or not, but through careful analysis of your medical history, a physical examination and laboratory tests, doctors may be able to diagnose you with dementia.

If you have been diagnosed with dementia, seeing a psychologist might be a good idea to lighten the burden. A psychologist will help find ways to minimize the changes in mood and behaviour. They will also work with the family to design living environments, provide tools and put procedures in place that will help that person to function better.