... affects all of us. ¹⁾

People with dementia, carers, family, and society.

An estimated 850,000 people in the UK have dementia. Above 85, the condition affects almost 1 in 2 people. This means, if nothing changes, latest at the age of 85 you very likely will either have dementia, or you will take care of somebody with dementia.

... can be detected early. ³⁾

With special tests like the DST, dementia risks can be detected 18 years prior to the first symptoms ¹⁾, during a dementia phase for which good treatment options exist.

The Dementia Screening Test (DST) is the only such test which has been classified according to regulations as a Medical Device.

... begins in the mid-40s. ⁷⁾

Dementia should no longer be seen as a disease of the elderly, but one of the middle-aged, which is clinically silent for a long time. 

... can often be prevented. ^{7) 8)}

Around 35% of dementia risk factors are modifiable. And so called "Superagers" have clear neurodegenerative changes in their brain, but don't show dementia symptoms. Effective preventive measures include treating diseases which may cause dementia (e.g. hearing loss, diabetes), and lifestyle changes.

... is diagnosed too late in most cases. ²⁾

Early stages are also called MCI - Mild Cognitive Impairment. The goal is to identify patients in this early stage, to prevent progression to mild or even severe Dementia, when the brain damage is irreversible. ^{4) 5)}

... can be treated best at early stages. ¹⁾

There are still no effective medicines for advanced stages of dementia - however, the right active substances may actually be investigated, but at the wrong time, i.e. too late in the disease process. Therefore, scientists now focus on early disease stages.