Introduction to Dementia

This chapter introduces the syndrome of dementia. The first section will broadly introduce dementia, including the incidence and prevalence of dementia in the general population and risk factors for dementia. The second section will provide an in-depth explanation of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, including relevant symptoms, progression and pharmacological treatments. The last two sections of this chapter will concentrate on person-centred care and changes in behaviour of people with dementia, followed by positive approaches to care and non-pharmacological interventions.