Closing the gap between dementia diagnosis, care and understanding. No family should face dementia alone.

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What is true about dementia?

Many people have heard things about dementia that are not true. Some say it is just old age, and others say it is caused by a curse. These beliefs bring shame and fear, and they stop families from seeking help early. Knowing the facts helps families act sooner and care with confidence.

• People say“Forgetting things is just part of getting old.”

  The factsDementia is not a normal part of ageing. Some forgetfulness is common as we age, but dementia gets worse over time and makes everyday life hard. This is because it is caused by disease in the brain. If memory problems are affecting daily life, it is worth getting checked.

• People say“Dementia is caused by a curse or witchcraft.”

  The factsDementia is a medical condition, not a curse. It is caused by diseases that damage the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease or strokes. No one brought it on themselves or on their family. The person needs care and kindness, not blame.

• People say“Nothing can be done.”

  The factsHelp is available, even though there is no cure yet. An early check can find other causes that can be treated, and good care can ease many symptoms. With support, people can keep doing the things they enjoy for longer. Many people live well with dementia for years.

• People say“People with dementia do not understand anything.”

  The factsPeople with dementia still have feelings, memories and things they enjoy. Even when words are hard, they notice kindness, tone of voice and touch. Leaving them out can make them feel lonely and upset. Talk with them, include them and treat them with respect.

The different forms of dementia

Dementia is not one single illness. The World Health Organization describes several forms, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, making up 60–70% of cases. Each form damages the brain in a different way, so the first signs and the care needed can differ. Knowing the form helps families and health workers plan the right care.

• Alzheimer’s disease

  60–70% of cases. The most common form. Memory problems are often the first sign.

• Vascular dementia

  Caused by problems with blood flow to the brain, for example after a stroke.

• Dementia with Lewy bodies

  Caused by abnormal deposits of protein inside nerve cells. It can affect movement, sleep and what people see.

• Frontotemporal dementia

  A group of diseases that damage the front of the brain. It often changes personality, behaviour or language first.

• Mixed dementia

  The forms often overlap, and many people have more than one at the same time.

• Other causes

  Dementia can also follow a stroke, some infections such as HIV, harmful use of alcohol, repeated head injuries or poor nutrition.

Source: World Health Organization, dementia fact sheet. Read more in our guide: What is dementia?

Dementia is growing fast

• 57 millionpeople were living with dementia around the world in 2021
• Over 60%of them live in low- and middle-income countries
• Nearly 10 millionnew cases every year

Source: World Health Organization, dementia fact sheet.

Dementia is growing fastest in places with the fewest services. Most people with dementia now live in low- and middle-income countries, and Africa’s population is ageing fast. Dementia care has not kept pace, so many families face the journey alone. Mindalo is here to help change that — one family, one community, one conversation at a time.