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
Related terms
- Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.
- Vascular dementiaVascular dementia is dementia caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain, such as from strokes or small blocked or bleeding vessels.
- Lewy body dementiaLewy body dementia is dementia linked to abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain.
- Frontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia is a group of brain disorders in which abnormal tau or TDP-43 proteins build up in the frontal and temporal lobes.
- Dementia careDementia care is support for people with memory loss and other thinking problems that disrupt daily life.
- Power of attorneyA power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person, the principal, names another person, the agent, to act for them.
