| 8 An introduction to dementia With the ageing population worldwide, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise to 115 million people by 2050 worldwide (1). Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive functioning over time, examples include memory problems and behavioural and psychological symptoms such as depression (2, 3). There are many types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s Disease being the most prevalent type of dementia (4). Receiving a dementia diagnosis is important as it is often a prerequisite for accessing support and enabling people to live well. However, there are several barriers for people with dementia-related symptoms to seek help such as stigma, fear and lack of knowledge (5, 6). In addition, the timing of seeking and receiving a diagnosis along the dementia continuum is important as it can affect the opportunities for implementing support and management for dementia-related symptoms (7). To receive a dementia diagnosis is often a long and distressing process, that may in some cases take up to four years (8). Receiving a diagnosis of dementia is often a turning point for people being diagnosed and their loved ones (9, 10). A dementia diagnosis can be beneficial as knowing a diagnosis can enable people to plan for the future and obtain support (11). However, a dementia diagnosis can also have negative emotional effects; feelings of loneliness, social isolation and perceived threats to their agency and identity have been reported (12-14). For informal caregivers, it is often the start of a ‘long road of challenges’ (15). To help people live well with dementia, they often use various types of support throughout their dementia trajectory, with their need for support increasing as time progresses (16). Much of the support people with dementia need is provided by informal caregivers. The intensity of informal care increases over time as dementia progresses (17, 18). Adequate informal care has the potential to delay nursing home admission and sustain the quality of life of someone with dementia. However, providing informal care can negatively impact their own quality of life and mental and physical health (19-21). Caregivers frequently experience caregiver burden (22). Supporting informal caregivers can be beneficial as it will allow them to maintain their wellbeing whilst providing optimal support for those living with dementia (23). People with dementia and their informal caregivers face complex challenges that often require additional formal support to help them live well with
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