Dementia is not a disease, but rather an umbrella term for a variety of symptoms that may accompany or indicate certain diseases or conditions. Today over 60 different conditions are known to cause dementia symptoms.

Often, after a dementia diagnosis, focus fixes only on the person's symptoms and behaviour rather than on his or her needs. With this daunting diagnosis, it can seem that there is not much that can be done and it can be very hard to maintain a positive attitude. However, if we shift our focus and energy to the person's strengths and remaining abilities, it will help us to keep a positive attitude and enable us to encourage and inspire improvement, joy, hope and wellbeing in those we support and care for.