Use dementia as an umbrella medical term, not as a casual synonym for aging, odd behaviour, or brief confusion.
Use dementia as an umbrella medical term, not as a casual synonym for aging, odd behaviour, or brief confusion.
A single memory lapse is called dementia, when the word requires decline severe enough to affect daily life.
Borrowed from Latin dementia, meaning madness or derangement, from demens, meaning out of one's mind. English medical use later narrowed toward lasting cognitive decline.
What does dementia mean?
Dementia means a decline in memory, thinking, language, judgment, or behaviour that is serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer's disease?
No. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, but vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and other conditions can also cause it.
Is dementia a normal part of aging?
No. Mild forgetfulness can happen with age, but dementia disrupts everyday activities and is not considered normal aging.
Can dementia be plural?
Yes. Dementia is usually uncountable in everyday diagnosis, but medical writing can use dementias for different types or cases.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually combines medical history, cognitive testing, a physical or neurological exam, and sometimes blood tests or brain imaging.
Is there a cure for dementia?
Most types of dementia do not have a cure, but treatment and care can manage symptoms and support daily life.
Where does dementia come from?
Dementia comes from Latin dementia, linked to demens, meaning out of one's mind.