Dementia is a broad term that refers to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but a general term that encompasses various medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and other types of neurodegenerative diseases.
The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, but at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:
- Memory Loss: This is often one of the first signs of dementia. It may start with forgetting recently learned information and progress to forgetting important dates, events, or how to do simple tasks.
- Communication and Language Difficulties: People with dementia may have trouble following a conversation or finding the right words to express thoughts.
- Ability to Focus and Pay Attention: Concentration may be affected, making it hard to focus on tasks, follow through with plans, or stay organized.
- Reasoning and Judgment: There may be a decline in the ability to make sound decisions, judge situations correctly, or deal with abstract concepts.
- Visual Perception: Problems with visual perception might include difficulty recognizing objects or faces, misjudging distances, or having hallucinations.
Risk factors for dementia include age (the risk increases as one gets older), family history, and genetics. Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, lack of exercise, and cardiovascular risk factors can also increase the likelihood of developing dementia.
Dementia is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function, and behavior associated with each type. There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. Supportive care, creating a safe and comfortable environment, and ensuring good nutrition are essential aspects of care for individuals with dementia.