6 Live-in care from Independent People Dementia and Live-in Care Dementia is a condition associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. A person with dementia will experience a range of cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, problems with thinking speed, confusion, mental agility, understanding, judgement, changes in mood and difficulty with day-to-day tasks. Given the progressive nature of these symptoms, a diagnosis of dementia can come as a huge shock. Even if you have been expecting the diagnosis, this will be an understandably worrying and upsetting time for both you and those close to you.