Dementia describes a chronic or persistent combination of symptoms that lead to the eventual decline of mental abilities. Symptoms of dementia are caused by brain disease and/or related injuries that can potentially lead to a decline in mental health extreme enough to drastically interfere with daily routines. At least two serious impairments of both; memory, communication, concentration, perception and judgment are sufficient to be considered for the development of dementia. According to Alzheimer's Australia1, approximately 353,800 Australian civilians suffer from dementia, a figure which is estimated to increase to 400,000 over the next five years. Alzheimer's Australia1 also believes that if a cure is not developed, the number of Australians living with dementia will increase to around 900,000 by 2050. The most common known types of dementia are:• Alzheimer's disease – The most common form of dementia, and is a disease that attacks the neurons and nerve cells of the brain, consequently causing loss of memory (short-term and progressive long-term), cognitive processes, communication and behavioral changes.• Parkinson's disease – Affects the central nervous system , Parkinson's affects basic movement, which leads to tremors. Typically characterized by trembling hands. • Vascular dementia – Problems with the blood vessels can lead to an inadequate blood supply to the brain. Without adequate blood flow, brain cells will begin to die, causing mild to severe trauma. Because of its frequent symptoms of memory loss, vascular dementia looks very similar to Alzheimer's. • Huntington's disease – It is a fatally rare condition that causes the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the victim's brain, typically affecting people from...... middle of paper......entia patients. In advanced stages of dementia, depression is commonly caused by reduced chemical transmitter function that occurs in the brain. Some antidepressants can increase confusion already present in dementia patients. Instead of these, antidepressants such as mianserin and mirtazapine are prescribed due to their lack of side effects. • Hypnotics are usually taken to reduce the effect of the persistent restlessness that dementia can cause when an individual tries to rest. These drugs can relieve the symptoms of dementia, but they do not completely cure the disease. Additionally, all of these drugs have some sort of side effect for those who take them, which can lead to a worsening of their condition in another area. Without a medical breakthrough in the near future, dementia will continue to impact the lives of more and more community members.