September marks World Alzheimer's Month, which aims to educate people and raise awareness of the condition.
It also sets out to challenge the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer's disease and all other types of dementia.
Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK, but the condition is often misunderstood and it can be difficult to spot the signs.
For example, Alzheimer's and dementia are not the same thing, as pointed out by deputy director of Admiral Nurse development at Dementia UK, Caroline Scates.
She said: "Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting the brain, which get gradually worse over time.
"There are over 200 different sub-types. Alzheimer’s disease is one of these and it is the most common form of dementia, caused by a build-up of proteins called amyloid and tau in the brain, which result in the death of brain cells."
Symptoms of dementia commonly include problems with thinking, memory and communication, leading to a reduction in skills required for everyday life.
Here, experts talk through seven common misconceptions about dementia.
1. Dementia can affect people at any age
Dementia doesn't just affect the elderly - even though those over 65 are more likely to get a diagnosis.
Fran Vandelli, a dementia lead for Bupa Care Services, explained: "Frontotemporal dementia is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 45 to 65, though people can get it earlier or later in life.
"There are broadly two types of frontotemporal dementia, which usually start with changes to behaviour and emotional control, and/or problems with language.”
2. It’s not always hereditary
If your parent, grandparent or other relative develops dementia, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be diagnosed too.
Fran continued: "Developing dementia isn’t inevitable, and there are so many factors that play a part in health and mental wellbeing that it makes more sense to focus on living well and staving off decline of all kinds."
She also explained that while there are some rare types of dementia that are hereditary, signs of this disease tend to develop much earlier in life - with people showing signs in their 30s, in rare occasions.
3. Dementia is linked to diet
On the whole, being overweight means there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure - which are linked to vascular dementia.
Fran explained: "Try to avoid processed or fatty foods – including sausages and burgers, ready meals, cakes and biscuits – as these can increase your cholesterol, which is detrimental to your blood vessels and cardiovascular health."
4. Staying active can help prevent dementia
As well as eating healthily, doing regular exercise and movement can also lower your risk of dementia.
And it doesn't have to be too strenuous, as Fran explained: "Including dancing to your favourite music, staying active and involved in hobbies helps maintain physical strength and dexterity.
"It can also help manage our weight and blood pressure and it’s great for your mental health too."
5. A person can continue to live positively following a diagnosis
Having dementia doesn't mean your quality of life will suddenly deteriorate.
Caroline said: "Many people are able to continue working, driving and living full and productive lives after a diagnosis of dementia. Although there is no cure for dementia, there is specialist care."
Fran agreed, saying: "With the right support and some practical changes, it’s possible to live well with dementia. Some changes that might help include getting the right support system around them, such as family, friends and healthcare professionals."
6. You shouldn't always correct someone with dementia
People with dementia tend to get confused sometimes, and while it can be tempting to correct them, this may not be the right thing to do.
Caroline explained: "In these instances, it’s better to try and explain in a calm and reassuring way what’s happening without challenging or correcting them, to ease distress.”
7. Contrasting colours can help dementia patients navigate
Getting around the house can be difficult for those with dementia if they start developing problems with depth and distance perception - but using contrasting colours can help.
Fran said: "For example, changing the colour of bed linen or furniture can make it more easily distinguishable from the colours of walls and carpets. Highlighting the seat of a chair can give people something to aim for when sitting down, whilst strips on the edge of the table can help it stand out.”
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