Dementia is a condition that most counter assistants will encounter on a daily basis, possibly without being aware of it. 

The Alzheimer’s Society estimate that 850,000 people in the UK have dementia¹ and it’s anticipated this will rise to one million by 2025. However dementia not only affects the person diagnosed with the condition but their family, friends and wider community so the figure of people impacted is much larger. The risk of developing dementia increases as a person ages and the condition mainly affects people over the age of 65. However there are 40,000 people in the UK who are under the age of 65 diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Dementia is a condition that will impact the lives of many people, either affecting themselves, a close friend or family member. Not surprisingly, it is a condition that many people are concerned about as it can be considered to deprive individuals of their mind, their independence or their loved ones.

This counter excellence module is split into two parts, the first will cover more about dementia itselft and the second part looks at how to support patients, and their family and friends.

Part 1 will cover:-

• What is dementia
• Causes of dementia?
• Who is affected?
• Understanding the Brain and dementia
• The domains of dementia
• Symptoms of dementia
• Risk factors for dementia
• Diagnosing dementia

^{1 https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media}