Dementia
What Does 'Dementia' Mean?
Dementia is a general term which is used to describe a person’s decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with their daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia.
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Dementia is a severe cognitive impairment that interferes with one's ability to live. Most people who develop dementia will need long-term care. Most commonly, these people need supervision to protect themselves and others.
Dementia typically develops in old age. It's estimated that 1/3 of people aged 85 and older have some form of dementia. Dementia symptoms usually start mild and progress as individuals grow older.
There are many forms of dementia. The most common and well-known form is Alzheimer's disease. Other forms include vascular, frontotemporal, Lewy body, and mixed dementia.
Individuals with dementia may experience a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Memory loss
- Diminished reasoning or problem-solving skills
- Emotional instability and irritability
- Impaired judgment
- Word-finding difficulties
- Wandering
- Loss of balance
- Mobility issues
- Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
Dementia is caused by damaged nerve cells in the brain. The condition is different for every person, which is why some people may experience different symptoms than others.