Knowledge Base

Dementia Care Glossary

Caring for a loved one with dementia means learning a lot of new terminology. This glossary explains common terms in plain language, so you can feel confident in conversations with healthcare professionals and make informed decisions for your family.

Informational only. This glossary is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance about your loved one's specific situation.

Conditions

Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is not a single disease, but rather a collection of symptoms caused by changes in the brain.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for roughly 60-70% of cases. It involves a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills as brain cells are progressively damaged.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of small strokes. It is the second most common type of dementia and can affect thinking speed, concentration, and planning.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. It can cause fluctuating alertness, visual hallucinations, movement difficulties similar to Parkinson's disease, and sleep disturbances.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the front and side areas of the brain, which control personality, behaviour, and language. It often begins at a younger age than other forms of dementia, sometimes between 45 and 65.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a stage between typical age-related memory changes and the more noticeable decline associated with dementia. People with MCI may have noticeable memory or thinking difficulties, but can still manage most daily activities independently.

Symptoms

Sundowning

Sundowning describes a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that tends to occur in the late afternoon and evening. It is common among people living with dementia, though the exact cause is not fully understood.

Wandering

Wandering refers to when a person with dementia walks about without a clear destination or purpose, sometimes leaving their home or safe environment. It can happen at any stage and poses safety concerns for families.

Agnosia

Agnosia is a condition where a person has difficulty recognising familiar objects, faces, sounds, or places, even though their senses (sight, hearing, touch) are working normally. It is caused by damage to specific areas of the brain.

Anosognosia

Anosognosia is a condition where a person is genuinely unaware of their own cognitive or functional difficulties. Unlike denial, it is caused by changes in the brain and means the person truly does not perceive their impairments.

Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate — including speaking, understanding speech, reading, and writing. In dementia, it develops gradually as the brain areas responsible for language are affected.

Apraxia

Apraxia is a condition where a person has difficulty performing purposeful movements and gestures, even though they have the physical ability to do so. The brain struggles to plan and coordinate the steps needed to complete an action.

Behaviour

Challenging Behaviour

Challenging behaviour refers to actions like agitation, aggression, repetitive questioning, or resistance to care that can occur when a person with dementia is struggling to communicate a need, feeling confused, or reacting to their environment.

Care & Support

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group programme of themed activities designed to engage people with dementia in mentally stimulating tasks. It has been shown to support wellbeing and is recommended by health organisations worldwide.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy involves using prompts like photographs, music, familiar objects, and guided questions to help a person with dementia recall and share personal memories. It can improve mood, strengthen connections, and support a sense of identity.

Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care is an approach that puts the individual — their preferences, history, values, and remaining abilities — at the heart of every care decision. Rather than focusing on what is lost, it builds on what the person can still enjoy and do.

Respite Care

Respite care is temporary care provided to a person with dementia so that their primary caregiver can take a break. It can be arranged at home, in a day centre, or in a residential facility, and is essential for preventing caregiver burnout.

Safe Zone

A safe zone is a defined geographical area (such as the home or a familiar neighbourhood) set up by caregivers. When a person with dementia leaves the safe zone, an automatic alert is sent to their family members.

Care Plan

A care plan is a structured outline of daily tasks, activities, and reminders tailored to a person's needs and preferences. For families living with dementia, a good care plan brings consistency and reduces anxiety for both the person and their caregivers.

Daily Routine

A daily routine is a consistent sequence of activities and tasks that a person follows each day. For people living with dementia, maintaining a familiar routine provides comfort, reduces confusion, and supports independence.

Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can affect people who provide ongoing care for a loved one. It often develops gradually and can impact the caregiver's health, relationships, and ability to provide care.

Medical

Delirium

Delirium is a sudden, severe state of confusion that develops quickly (over hours or days) and usually has a treatable cause such as infection, dehydration, or medication side effects. It is different from dementia but can occur alongside it.

Legal & Planning

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they later become unable to make those decisions themselves. It must be set up while the person still has mental capacity.

Advance Directive

An advance directive (also called a living will) is a legal document in which a person records their wishes about future medical treatment, in case they later become unable to communicate those decisions. It is typically created while the person has full mental capacity.