Frequently asked questions

No. Dementia is more common in older people, but the NHS says it is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused by diseases that damage the brain. See what is dementia?

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common disease that causes those symptoms. Other causes include vascular disease and Lewy bodies. See types of dementia.

Not necessarily. Stress, low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, some medicines, and thyroid or vitamin B12 problems can all affect memory. If memory problems are getting worse or affecting daily life, see your GP. See early signs and other causes of memory loss.

Call 999 or go to A&E. Sudden confusion over hours or days may be delirium, which can be caused by infection, stroke, low blood sugar or medicines. The NHS says it needs to be checked straight away.

Start with your GP. They will ask about symptoms, do a physical check, arrange blood and urine tests and a short memory test. If dementia is still suspected, they refer you to an NHS memory assessment service, which may arrange scans. See getting a diagnosis.

No. Happy Clinic does not assess, diagnose or treat dementia or memory disorders. If you are worried about memory, see your GP, who can check for other causes and refer you to an NHS memory assessment service. Happy Clinic’s consultant psychiatrists can help adults with their own mental health, such as a carer’s depression, anxiety or sleep problems, or depression or anxiety that may be affecting concentration once a GP has checked for physical causes. See carers’ wellbeing.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means noticeable problems with memory or thinking that do not stop you managing most daily tasks. Alzheimer’s Society explains it may stay the same, improve, or in some people develop into dementia. Ask about follow-up.

Not yet. But NICE recommends medicines such as donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine for some types, and cognitive stimulation therapy for mild to moderate dementia. These can help with symptoms for a time. See treatment.

Not at the time of writing. These newer medicines are licensed in the UK for some people with early Alzheimer’s disease, but NICE has not recommended them for NHS use, and Alzheimer’s Research UK said in September 2026 that they are not available on the NHS. NICE is looking at them again after appeals. See treatment for details and check NICE for updates.

Most dementia is not directly inherited. The NHS says a family history of Alzheimer’s disease raises risk slightly, while rare inherited forms carry a much higher risk. Frontotemporal dementia more often has a genetic link. If you are worried about family history, talk to your GP.

Not always straight away. But GOV.UK says you must tell the DVLA if you have dementia, and you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that affects your driving. In Northern Ireland, tell the DVA. You should also tell your insurer. See living well.

It is a legal document that lets someone you trust make decisions for you if you cannot in future. It can only be made while you have mental capacity, so it is best to do it early. In England and Wales it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. See legal and money matters.

People of State Pension age who need care or supervision may get Attendance Allowance, which is not means-tested. Carers may get Carer’s Allowance. There may also be Council Tax discounts. Check gov.uk for current rates. See legal and money matters.

It is a free assessment from your local council that looks at how caring affects you and what support could help, such as breaks. Anyone over 18 who regularly helps someone can ask for one. See caring for someone.

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who support families. You can speak to one free on Dementia UK’s helpline, 0800 888 6678. See support and helplines.

NICE says they should only be used if a person is at risk of harm or severely distressed by agitation, hallucinations or delusions, at the lowest dose for the shortest time, with review at least every 6 weeks. People with dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia can react severely. See dementia with Lewy bodies.

Talk to your GP, and tell them you are a carer. In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression. Helplines such as Carers UK and Dementia UK can also help. If you feel unsafe, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123. See carers’ wellbeing.