Understanding Dementia: A Guide for Families

Because caring for someone with dementia starts with caring for yourself, too.

When someone you love starts forgetting names, repeating stories, or struggling with daily tasks, it can feel like the world is shifting beneath your feet. Dementia isn't just memory loss — it's a gradual, often unpredictable journey that affects how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others.

At Nurtura, many of us have walked this road ourselves. This guide is here to help you understand what's happening — and how to show up with knowledge, patience, and love.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect the brain, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and more.

It can affect:

Memory

Language

Reasoning and judgement

Mood and behaviour

Ability to carry out everyday tasks

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing — but it is more common as people grow older.

If you suspect someone you love might be showing signs of dementia, don't wait. Speak with their GP or primary care doctor. Early testing, diagnosis, and support can make a big difference — for them and for you.

Common Signs to Look Out For

Every person's journey is different, but some early signs include:

Forgetting recent events but remembering the distant past

Struggling with words or following a conversation

Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps

Withdrawing from social activities

Mood changes or confusion, especially in the evening ("sundowning")

What Families Often Feel

Dementia doesn't just affect the person diagnosed — it affects everyone around them. It can feel like you lose the person you love twice:

First, when they begin to change — when the parent, partner, or grandparent you've always known becomes someone who doesn't recognise you, or who behaves in ways that are hard to understand.

And again, when they pass away.

It's completely normal to feel:

Frustrated, especially when the same question is asked ten times

Heartbroken, watching someone fade

Guilty, for not doing more (even when you're doing all you can)

Confused, angry, or overwhelmed

💛 You are not alone.

Support for carers matters just as much as support for those living with dementia.

Tips for Everyday Connection

Keep routines simple and familiar. Consistency builds confidence.

Use visual cues — calendars, labels, photos, and colour contrast help.

Speak slowly, calmly, and with kindness. Your tone matters more than your words.

Don't argue with confusion. Redirect gently. It's okay to let some things go.

Celebrate the present moment. Even small moments of laughter or music matter deeply.

Taking Care of the Carer

Supporting someone with dementia is emotionally complex and often isolating. Be sure to:

Ask for help (and accept it when it's offered)

Connect with other carers — they get it

Take breaks, even short ones

Grieve the changes, even when the person is still here

Remember: You're doing your best, and that's more than enough

Talk to a GP or Primary Care Provider

Whether you're noticing early signs or you're deep in the day-to-day of care, speak with a healthcare professional. Your loved one deserves support, and so do you. There may be medications, therapies, or local services that can help — and they may be more accessible than you think.

Where Nurtura Comes In

Nurtura is designed to support families living with dementia — from gentle reminders and nudges to shared calendars and emotional check-ins. We're here to help reduce the weight, without requiring another app to download or another system to learn.

Whether you're caring across town or across continents, Nurtura helps you stay organised, emotionally supported, and less alone.

👉 Join the waitlist or follow us on Instagram for tips, support, and stories from carers like you.

About the Author

Jean Du is the Strategic Delivery & Partnerships Lead at Nurtura.

Jean is a Chinese-Australian pharmacist, strategist, connector, systems thinker, and carer who previously worked at Australia's Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Based in London, she knows what it's like to provide care from far away. At Nurtura, she leads delivery and partnerships— turning Nurtura's vision into something that actually works for families, for partners, and for the long haul. She sits at the crossroads of product, operations, and storytelling.