Understanding Dementia
What dementia is, the main types, the 10 warning signs, how to get a diagnosis, and how to care for someone.
Orange County, California
Spreading awareness to seniors with dementia
Clear information about dementia, support for the people who care, and care kits that bring comfort, memory support and connection.
- 55M+people worldwide live with dementia
- 10Mnew cases are diagnosed every year
- 60–80%of cases are Alzheimer's disease
- 70%of dementia care comes from family or friends
Understanding dementia
What is dementia?
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and communication. It can make everyday tasks difficult and often impacts both the person living with dementia and their loved ones. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are many other forms as well.
10 warning signs to watch for
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Trouble following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
Trouble completing familiar tasks
Difficulty driving to a familiar place or using everyday appliances.
Confusion with time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or how they got somewhere.
Vision or spatial problems
Difficulty judging distance, reading, or recognizing familiar faces.
New problems with words
Struggling to find the right words or follow a conversation.
Misplacing things repeatedly
Putting objects in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps.
Poor or decreased judgment
Unusual decisions about money, personal care, or safety.
Withdrawal from activities
Pulling back from hobbies, social activities, or work.
Changes in mood or personality
Becoming anxious, confused, suspicious, depressed, or easily upset.
For caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia
Caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Many caregivers experience stress, burnout, and lack of sleep. Take breaks, ask for support, and care for your own mental health as well.
- Keep routines consistentPredictable daily schedules reduce confusion, anxiety, and difficult behaviors.
- Communicate simplyUse short sentences, speak slowly, and give one instruction at a time.
- Encourage independenceLet them do what they can, even if it takes longer.
- Adapt the homeRemove trip hazards, add grab rails and labels, and make sure lighting is good.
- Plan ahead earlyTalk about finances, legal decisions, and care preferences while the person can still take part.
- Take care of yourselfCaregiver burnout is real. Ask for respite care, join a support group, and accept help.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline1-800-272-3900
More support: alz.org · Caregiver Action Network
Free resources
Flyers to keep, print and share
Two one-page guides for families and caregivers. Hang them on the fridge, bring them to a care home, or share them with someone who needs them.
Slowing Dementia Progression
Everyday steps that support brain health: activity, the MIND diet, sleep, stress, and medical care.
Dementia care kits
Request a dementia kit
We put together care kits for seniors living with dementia, made to bring comfort, memory support, and emotional connection. If you'd like one for yourself or someone you care for, let us know.
Serving Orange County, CA