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Mental Health: dementia


Dementia is a term used to refer to a variety of illnesses and conditions which result in a global impairment of brain function and a decline in intellectual functioning, personality changes and behaviour problems which disrupt independent living skills and social relationships For more information on risk factors associated with dementia see the Health Scotland (2003) report, Risk Factors for Dementia and Cognitive DeclinePDF Button (468kB).

There are a number of types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, alcohol related brain damage (ARBD), Fronto-temporal dementia, subcortial dementia and Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD).

Studies on the prevalence of dementia present a confusing picture partly because of different definitions, assessment strategies and population samples employed. There is limited information on the prevalence of dementia in Scotland. Dementia and Older People. A needs assessmentPDF Button (342kB) published by NHS Health Scotland in October 2003 presents the most reliable and accurate estimates of the prevalence of dementia in Scotland:

  • Prevalence of dementia increases with age and the rise is particularly marked in the 80 years and over group.
  • In Scotland, in 2002, it was estimated that there were over 57 000 people in Scotland with dementia.
  • By 2040, approximately 104 000 people aged 65 years and over will be living with a dementing illness.