Dementia is a progressive neurological disease of the brain. It is not a normal part of ageing. By the end of 2025, it is estimated that more than one million living with dementia in the UK.
In the UK, 62% of people with dementia are female and 38% are male. This is likely to be a consequence of the fact that women live longer than men and age is the biggest known risk factor for the condition. For more information on actions to take in mid-life to help prevent dementia, visit the health matters page of the government website.
In Dorset the figure is around 13,400 people of all ages living with dementia (NHS Dorset, 2019).
These links below highlight a range of services to help identify, treat, care for and support people who have a dementia, and their carers. Here, you will find some key information about our dementia pathway, dementia itself, the services we have for people with dementia, the resources available from our partner agencies and links to other sources of information that might help you.
Here are some links to a number of national organisations working with the community to help people with dementia in some way.
We don't recommend any one service above another, this page is purely for people who may wish to look for community resources or help and assistance with any issues, problems or matters that relate to dementia.
Independent Age - Support & Care Information
Managing the legal affairs of someone with dementia