Dementia – Planning ahead with LPAs & Wills

This article was posted on: 28 Jan 2026 By Kate Bower

Dementia is a progressive problem, rather than a specific disease. It is characterised by a decline in brain function which can affect memory, language, and thinking. Early signs include memory loss, confusion about times and places, difficulty with familiar tasks, and mood changes. It is primarily caused by abnormal protein build-up, a stroke, or nerve cell damage, with Alzheimer’s being the most common type.

Dementia – Early Signs and Symptoms

Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events or conversations.
Cognitive decline: Difficulty concentrating, planning, organising, or solving problems.
Language difficulties: Struggling to find the right words or following conversations.
Disorientation: Confusion about time and place.
Mood and/or behaviour changes: Increased anxiety, sadness, or withdrawal from social activities.
Increased apathy: Losing interest in daily activities and hobbies.

Main Causes and Types of Dementia

Dementia occurs when brain cells are damaged, causing them to die and areas of the brain to shrink.

Alzheimer’s disease: The most common cause is associated with protein plaques.
Vascular dementia: Triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke.
Lewy body dementia: Caused by protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in nerve cells.
Frontotemporal dementia: Affects the front and sides of the brain, causing personality and language changes.
Mixed dementia: A combination of two or more types.

Risk Factors for Dementia

Age: The risk doubles roughly every five years after age 65.
Family history/Genetics: Genetics can play a role, though not all cases are inherited.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets.
Health conditions: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Prognosis

Dementia is a progressive and terminal condition although, more often than not, the direct cause of death (infections or pneumonia often are). While some may live for 5–8 years on average after diagnosis, many can live longer with proper support and management. Symptoms often worsen over time and may eventually mean that the person affected requires full-time care.

Management

There is no cure, but treatments aim to manage symptoms, support, and care for the person to improve quality of life. Non-pharmacological measures, such as appropriate exercise, routine, and stimulating activities, are key to managing behavioral symptoms.

Planning Ahead

Given that many people can live for a long time after a dementia diagnosis it is important to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and will in place. This gives you the opportunity to determine who should make decisions on your behalf in relation to your finances and property, as well as your health and welfare.

For further information go to: