Trying to get help and support can be difficult when someone doesn’t understand or acknowledge that they have dementia. But support and care at home can help a person to stay independent for longer and to live well with dementia.

It can be difficult to know what to say to the person you care for. Telling the truth can cause the person with dementia to have an emotional response and, in some cases, may make things worse.

Tests and scans to diagnose dementia Find out about the tests and scans you might have if you’re referred to a specialist.

A practical guide to assessment We are reviewing this publication. If you would like to give us any feedback, you can email us at

Find out more about claiming benefits, including how to claim, where to get support and how to complain.

My checklist for possible symptoms of dementia This checklist contains 20 questions about possible symptoms or behaviours relating to dementia. You will need to think about the symptoms, how long they have been happening and how much they are affecting daily life. If you do not wish to answer a question, just move on to the next one. This Is not a diagnosis but may help you discuss your ...

People with Down's syndrome have a higher risk of developing dementia. A person with Down’s syndrome may have similar symptoms as someone without Down’s syndrome. However, there can be some differences around changes in behaviour and personality.

Dementia assessment with your GP If you are worried about symptoms that may be dementia, the first thing to do is to contact your GP surgery. Find out what to expect from your visit.

There are four medications approved in the UK to ease a person’s dementia symptoms, including memory and thinking problems: donepezil rivastigmine galantamine memantine. These treatments are only effective for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and mixed dementia involving any of these types. There aren’t yet any medications that ...

Drivers with dementia must tell their licensing agency and car insurer straightaway. Find out more about UK law on driving and dementia, and what happens if these rules are not followed.