---
title: "What Is Dementia? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Dementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease. It involves decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills that is serious..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dementia/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Dementia

Dementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease. It involves decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills that is serious enough to disrupt daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

## Why it matters for your family

Dementia is more than forgetting names. It can change judgment, mood, and the ability to manage money, cook, or stay safe. A doctor can look for the cause, since some causes of confusion, such as infections or medicine effects, can be treated. Families plan for changing needs over many years. Early planning matters, including legal papers while the person can still take part. A common mistake is waiting for a crisis. Supports include dementia-trained caregivers, adult day programs, respite, and support groups. Ask the doctor for a diagnosis and a care plan.

Source: [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia)

[Read more: Caring for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients at Home with help from HomeCare.com: A Guide for Families](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/chronic-conditions/alzheimers-dementia-home-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Alzheimer's disease**Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/alzheimers-disease/)
-   [**Vascular dementia**Vascular dementia is dementia caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain, such as from strokes or small blocked or bleeding vessels.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/vascular-dementia/)
-   [**Lewy body dementia**Lewy body dementia is dementia linked to abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/lewy-body-dementia/)
-   [**Frontotemporal dementia**Frontotemporal dementia is a group of brain disorders in which abnormal tau or TDP-43 proteins build up in the frontal and temporal lobes.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/frontotemporal-dementia/)
-   [**Dementia care**Dementia care is support for people with memory loss and other thinking problems that disrupt daily life.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dementia-care/)
-   [**Power of attorney**A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person, the principal, names another person, the agent, to act for them.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/power-of-attorney/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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