Queen’s expert reveals five things everyone should know about dementia as cases set to soar

Professor Christine Brown Wilson

Dementia is set to become one of the biggest health challenges facing Northern Ireland in the coming decades, with the number of people living with the condition expected to almost double by 2040.

That warning comes from a leading dementia expert at Queen’s University Belfast, who is urging greater understanding, earlier diagnosis and stronger community support as thousands more families are expected to be affected.

Currently, more than 22,000 people in Northern Ireland are living with dementia. That figure is projected to rise to almost 43,000 by 2040. Across the UK, around 900,000 people are estimated to have the condition, with numbers expected to reach 1.6 million within the next 14 years.

Professor Christine Brown Wilson, a Registered Nurse in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast, says dementia continues to be widely misunderstood despite its growing impact on individuals, families and communities.

She believes tackling stigma and improving awareness are essential to helping people live well with the condition.

Challenging misconceptions about dementia

Professor Brown Wilson said many people wrongly associate dementia solely with ageing and memory loss, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and reduced support.

“It is possible to live well with dementia and there are many people with dementia that are living active lives with the support of families, friends and communities,” she said.

“There is no doubt that more young people, now than ever before, are experiencing dementia in their family and receive limited support due to a lack of understanding and/or negative perceptions.

“More is needed to enable people living with dementia to receive the respect and support they need to continue to live active and healthy lives in the community.”

Her work has focused on improving public attitudes toward dementia and helping communities better understand the experiences of those living with the condition.

Interactive game helping to change attitudes worldwide

Professor Brown Wilson previously worked with a team from Queen’s University Belfast, students and people living with dementia to co-design a short educational game aimed at challenging perceptions and encouraging greater respect for people affected by the illness.

Known as the Dementia Awareness Game, the interactive experience has already reached a global audience.

“The Dementia Awareness Game aims to improve the lives of people with dementia and their family caregivers through a collaborative process of developing an interactive game that challenges people to respect those living with dementia,” she explained.

“This game takes a short time to play and significantly improves people’s attitudes toward dementia, even if they have previous experience of the condition.

“The game has been played in 95 countries by over 30,000 people and translated into five languages and findings have shown that the game helped improve attitudes to dementia.

“I would urge people to spare a few minutes of their time to try this game to gain more awareness.”

The five things everyone should know about dementia

Drawing on her expertise in ageing and dementia research, Professor Brown Wilson highlighted five key messages she believes the public should understand.

1. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing

Many people assume memory problems are simply part of getting older. Professor Brown Wilson says this misconception can delay diagnosis and prevent people accessing support at a stage when treatment, planning and lifestyle changes can have the greatest impact.

Recognising dementia as a medical condition encourages people to seek professional advice sooner.

2. The signs extend beyond memory loss

While forgetfulness is often associated with dementia, the condition can also affect language, judgement, mood, problem-solving abilities and a person’s capacity to manage everyday tasks.

Understanding these broader symptoms can help families recognise changes earlier and reduce frustration or misunderstanding.

3. Early diagnosis can improve quality of life

Receiving a diagnosis allows individuals to access healthcare services, therapies, support networks and future planning while they are still able to participate fully in decisions about their lives.

According to Professor Brown Wilson, this can help people continue living fulfilling and meaningful lives for longer.

4. Dignity, respect and inclusion matter

People living with dementia can face stigma and social isolation. Although abilities may change over time, the need for connection, understanding and respect remains just as important.

Creating more inclusive communities can help improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness.

5. Caregivers need support too

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Access to education, respite services and emotional support can make a significant difference to carers and those they look after.

Better-supported caregivers often contribute to improved wellbeing and safer care for people living with dementia.

A growing challenge for society

Professor Brown Wilson said dementia’s impact extends far beyond those directly diagnosed, affecting families, healthcare systems and communities across society.

“Dementia affects not only individuals, but also families, healthcare systems, and communities,” she said.

“Understanding these key points helps people respond earlier, communicate better, and create more supportive environments to enable people to live well with dementia.”

With dementia rates forecast to rise sharply in Northern Ireland over the coming years, experts say greater awareness, earlier intervention and stronger community support will be increasingly important in helping people maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.