Most people know someone affected by dementia. Yet many common beliefs about it are out of date or simply wrong. Those myths matter. They can delay a diagnosis, add to stigma, and stop people getting support or making changes that could help.
Here are seven of the most common, and what current evidence says instead.
Myth 1: Dementia Is a Normal Part of Getting Older
Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, but dementia is not a normal part of ageing. The World Health Organization is clear on this point, and many people live into their 90s without developing it.
Some changes in thinking are common with age. Taking longer to recall a name, or walking into a room and forgetting why, happen to most of us. Dementia is different. It's caused by diseases that affect the brain, and it gets in the way of managing everyday life. Our article on early cognitive changes versus normal ageing explains the difference.
Treating dementia as "just old age" is one of the main reasons people don't seek help.
Myth 2: Dementia Is One Disease
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions caused by brain diseases that affect memory, thinking and the ability to function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common, estimated to account for 60 to 70% of cases according to WHO. Others include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia, and some people have more than one type.
This matters because different types can look different and progress differently. Our guide to dementia causes, symptoms and support has more.
Myth 3: Dementia Is Just Memory Loss
Memory problems are common, especially with Alzheimer's disease, but dementia can affect much more. Language, judgement, planning, mood, behaviour and personality can all change, as can the ability to handle everyday tasks like cooking or paying bills.
In some types, memory isn't the first thing affected. Dementia UK notes that in young onset dementia, memory loss is less likely to be an early symptom, and changes in personality, behaviour or language can be mistaken for other conditions.
The reverse is also true. Memory problems don't always mean dementia. Depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects and infections can all affect memory and thinking, and many are treatable.
Sudden confusion in particular usually points to something else going on. Our articles on sudden confusion in seniors and UTIs in older adults explain why.
Myth 4: Only Older People Get Dementia
Dementia is much more common after 65, but it can affect people in their 40s and 50s, and occasionally younger. Dementia UK describes dementia as young onset when symptoms develop before 65, and estimates around 70,800 people in the UK are living with it.
Because it's unexpected, young onset dementia is often missed or put down to stress, burnout or menopause. If you're worried about changes in someone under 65, it's still worth asking a doctor. Our article on living with early onset dementia covers what support looks like.
Myth 5: If a Parent Had Dementia, You'll Get It Too
Family history does raise risk, but for most people it's far from a certainty.
The Alzheimer's Association explains that two kinds of genes are involved. Risk genes, such as APOE-e4, increase the chance of developing Alzheimer's but don't guarantee it. Deterministic genes directly cause the disease, but they've been found in only a few hundred extended families worldwide and account for an estimated 1% or less of Alzheimer's cases.
For most people, dementia risk comes from a mix of genes, age, health and lifestyle, which leads to the next myth.
Myth 6: There's Nothing You Can Do to Lower Your Risk
This is one of the most important myths to challenge. In July 2026, WHO released updated guidelines stating that up to 45% of dementia risk can be attributed to modifiable factors. These include tobacco, alcohol, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
As summarised by PAHO, WHO's advice includes increasing physical activity, stopping smoking, cutting back on alcohol, eating a healthy diet and reducing exposure to air pollution. Managing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol also helps, and hearing aids may be offered as part of risk reduction.
Nothing guarantees someone won't develop dementia. But these steps can lower the odds, and most of them help heart health and general wellbeing too. Our article on how nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed explains the risk factors in more detail.
Myth 7: A Diagnosis Means Life Is Over
A diagnosis is life-changing, but it isn't the end of a meaningful life. The NHS reminds people with dementia that they're still themselves, that everyone experiences dementia differently, and that with the right help and support many people live well for several years.
An earlier diagnosis gives people time to plan, take part in decisions about their future, access treatment and support, and keep doing the things they enjoy. Our guide to what to do after a dementia diagnosis walks through the first steps.
Elli Cares supports people living with dementia to keep running their own day, with reminders for medication, appointments and daily tasks, including video reminders from family, and Safe Zones for confidence when out and about. Families in the care circle can see how things are going and add their own observations. See how Elli supports seniors and families.
Why Myth-Busting Matters
Stigma is still one of the biggest barriers to getting help. When dementia is seen as a normal part of ageing, or as something shameful, people wait longer to see a doctor. When families believe nothing can be done, they miss chances to lower risk, treat other causes or plan ahead.
Accurate information helps people act earlier and talk about dementia more openly. If you've noticed changes in someone you love, our 10 warning signs of dementia is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dementia a normal part of ageing?
No. Age is the strongest known risk factor, but WHO is clear that dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
Is dementia hereditary?
Sometimes, but rarely in a direct way. According to the Alzheimer's Association, genes that directly cause Alzheimer's account for an estimated 1% or less of cases. Most people's risk comes from a mix of genes, age, health and lifestyle.
Can dementia be prevented?
Not entirely, but WHO's 2026 guidelines say up to 45% of dementia risk can be attributed to factors people can change, such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol, blood pressure and diabetes.
Knowing the Facts
Dementia is common, complex and often misunderstood. The more people know, the sooner they're likely to seek help, and the better placed they are to live well. If this cleared anything up for you, share it with someone who might find it useful too.
