What is Dementia? A Guide to Understanding the Condition
Dementia touches the lives of millions of families across Canada and around the world. Whether it’s a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend, watching someone you love struggle with memory, communication, or day-to-day activities is very difficult. It’s natural to feel uncertain about what dementia really means, how it develops, and what can be done to support someone living with it.
This blog is here to provide clarity. We’ll walk through what dementia is, how it’s diagnosed, the stages of progression, and some care options available. Along the way, we’ll also explore how families can support their loved ones—and themselves—through the journey.
What is Dementia?
Dementia isn’t a single disease. It’s an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. At its core, dementia happens when brain cells become damaged and can’t function as they should.
Before we dive deeper into this, it’s important to distinguish dementia from normal age-related forgetfulness. Many older adults occasionally misplace their keys or forget a name. This can be frustrating, but it’s a natural part of aging. Dementia, however, involves more serious changes that disrupt daily life.
For example:
- Forgetfulness vs. dementia: Forgetting where you left your keys is common. Forgetting what keys are for—or insisting you’ve never seen them before—signals something deeper.
- Normal aging vs. dementia: Taking a few minutes to recall someone’s name is expected. Not recognizing your lifelong neighbour, even after an introduction, is more concerning.
People experiencing dementia may forget familiar routes home, struggle to follow conversations, or withdraw from activities once enjoyed. The condition impacts nearly every part of life, which is why enhanced care and thoughtful planning become so important.
Watch our “What is Dementia?” video,
explaining the condition in a clear and accessible way for additional insights for families and caregivers.
Types of Dementia
Dementia affects each person differently. On top of that, there are several forms of dementia, each with unique causes and characteristics.
The most common include:
- Alzheimer’s disease: The most widespread type, marked by gradual memory loss, confusion, and difficulty recognizing familiar people or places. Someone with Alzheimer’s may begin by forgetting appointments, then later forget family birthdays, and eventually may not recognize loved ones.
- Vascular dementia: Often occurs after strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain. A person may think or move more slowly—including poor balance—have trouble planning, experience reduced ability to make decisions, or seem to lose focus. For instance, they may begin a recipe but forget halfway through what they’re cooking.
- Lewy body dementia: Characterized by vivid visual hallucinations, changes in movement (similar to Parkinson’s disease), and fluctuations in alertness. A person may appear very engaged in the morning, then drowsy and confused just hours later.
- Frontotemporal dementia: Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, often leading to changes in personality, judgment, or language. Someone once gentle may suddenly act impulsively or say things that seem out of character.
- Mixed dementia: In many cases, more than one type of dementia is present—most commonly Alzheimer’s with vascular dementia. This combination makes diagnosis especially important.
What Causes Dementia?
While the types of dementia vary, all share one thing in common: damage to brain cells. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, the symptoms look different.
- In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein buildup—plaques and tangles—interferes with communication between brain cells.
- Vascular dementia may result from strokes or small vessel disease, where blood flow to brain tissue is reduced or blocked.
- Lewy body dementia stems from deposits of abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies, disrupting brain chemistry.
- Frontotemporal dementia occurs when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes are lost, changing behaviour, speech, and personality.
Other factors, like head injuries, chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or genetic predispositions, may increase risk.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Dementia often begins subtly. At first, it may seem like a “bad day” or simply getting older. But over time, patterns emerge.
Common early signs include:
- Short-term memory loss: Asking the same question multiple times in one afternoon.
- Difficulty with language: Struggling to find the right word mid-sentence. For example, saying “the cooking thing” instead of “stove.”
- Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, or loss of interest in hobbies or social activities.
- Trouble with familiar tasks: Difficulty balancing a chequebook, following a recipe, or remembering how to use a phone.
Imagine this scenario: A mother who has baked the same cake for decades suddenly can’t recall the order of ingredients. When her daughter offers help, she grows frustrated and may say she has never made that cake before. These shifts are often the first clues families notice.
Because dementia symptoms can be gradual, families sometimes dismiss them as “just aging.” But noticing patterns and seeking medical advice early can make a significant difference in planning care and maintaining quality of life.
Diagnosing Dementia
Receiving a dementia diagnosis is often one of the hardest parts of the journey, but it’s also one of the most important. A clear diagnosis opens the door to understanding, support, and planning for the future.
The process usually begins with a visit to a family doctor, who may refer the individual to a neurologist, geriatrician, or memory clinic for further assessment. While the steps can vary, a thorough evaluation often includes:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask about current symptoms, changes in behaviour, past health conditions, and medications. Family members are often encouraged to share observations, since they may notice things the individual isn’t aware of. For example, a spouse might say, “He keeps asking what day it is, even after I tell him.”
- Cognitive testing: Simple but telling exercises are used to assess memory, language, problem-solving, and attention. A common test might involve recalling a short list of words, drawing a clock, or following step-by-step instructions. These tasks may feel basic, but they reveal how the brain is processing information.
- Physical and neurological exams: Doctors may test reflexes, coordination, and balance to rule out other medical causes.
- Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans can provide a clearer picture of the brain. They may show shrinkage in certain regions, strokes, or other changes that explain symptoms.
Because no single test can diagnose dementia on its own, doctors use a combination of these approaches to form a complete picture.
It’s important to know that the goal of diagnosis isn’t just to label a condition—it’s to provide answers and open pathways to treatment and support. Early diagnosis can:
- Give families time to plan for future care needs.
- Provide access to medications or therapies that may help slow progression.
- Allow individuals to be involved in decision-making while they’re still able.
The Stages of Dementia
While no two people follow the exact same journey, dementia is often described in three broad stages:
- Early: Short-term memory lapses, difficulty with language and communication, difficulty with planning, organizing and complex tasks, and changes in mood and behaviour. Individuals may still live independently with some support.
- Mid: Increasing confusion, needing help with daily activities, noticeable personality or behaviour changes.
- Late: Significant memory loss, loss of physical abilities, and dependence on full-time care.
Living with Dementia
A diagnosis of dementia affects not only the person but also their family. Emotional reactions such as fear, denial, or frustration are common. Families may grieve small changes over time, even as they adjust routines and provide care.
Support systems make a huge difference—whether it’s regular routines, social connections, professional care, or simply having someone to talk to. Many people living with dementia continue to live fulfilling lives, especially when surrounded by patience, compassion, and structured support.
Care and Support Options
Caring for someone living with dementia is a journey that evolves over time. In the early stages, families may be able to provide support at home with small adjustments and patience. But as the condition progresses, many find that professional care makes all the difference.
At Chartwell, we understand the unique challenges that dementia presents, and we offer a range of care and support options designed to meet people where they are:
- Family caregiving with support from Chartwell:
Many families begin by caring for a loved one themselves. We can help with practical resources and guidance, and—at select residences—short-stay respite stays so families can take a needed break, knowing their loved one is in caring hands. - Memory care at Chartwell residences:
When a more supportive setting is needed, our memory care programming provides specialized dementia support in secure, thoughtfully structured settings with a 24-hour staff on-site. Families can expect:- Personalized care plans that adapt as needs change
- Staff trained in dementia care and gentle, person-centred communication
- Comforting daily routines and meaningful programs that support engagement, dignity and well-being
- A calm, home-like atmosphere with cues that support familiarity and comfort
- Ongoing family partnership through regular updates, education and opportunities to stay involved
Families often tell us that moving into a memory care setting gave them peace of mind knowing their loved one was safe, supported, and surrounded by people who understood dementia.
Preventative Measures and Brain Health
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, but research suggests that adopting healthy behaviours may reduce risk and support brain health:
- Strong sleep patterns
- Maintain hearing
- Staying physically active and socially connected
- Healthy food choices
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, like puzzles or learning new skills
These practices also support overall health and well-being, regardless of dementia risk.
Download Understanding Dementia: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support, Communication & Care
Caring for someone living with dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. This comprehensive caregiver’s guide on dementia offers practical strategies, compassionate communication tips, and evidence-based approaches to help you support your loved one with dignity and confidence.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Clear explanations of how dementia affects daily life and relationships
- Practical tips for communication, routines, and caregiving
- Guidance on preserving identity, joy, and meaningful connection
Download your copy today and empower yourself with knowledge, tools, and hope.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your situation.