Dementia is a general term that describes the loss of the ability to think, remember, and reason. People with dementia have difficulty completing everyday activities, and symptoms worsen over time. Dementia happens when nerve cells in the brain stop working properly. There are many types of dementia. Some
types include Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.
Some people may have changes in their brain caused by more than one type of dementia. The risk of developing dementia increases as individuals grow older. Most people with dementia are age 65 or older, and research shows that about one in three people age 85 or older in the United States may have some form of dementia. Still, dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Not everyone develops it as they grow older. Scientists are working to discover why some individuals develop dementia and others don’t. While healthy lifestyle approaches — such as regular exercise — may help some people reduce their risk of developing dementia, more research is needed. Dementia can cause problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. Some people may also have trouble controlling their emotions, and may experience changes in their personality and movements. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia, but common signs include difficulty understanding or expressing thoughts, memory loss and confusion, getting lost in a familiar place, trouble handling money, or losing balance. However, these symptoms don’t always mean someone has dementia.
Dementia-like symptoms may be caused by depression, side effects from medication, vitamin deficiencies, or other medical conditions. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your ability to clearly think, learn, or remember; or if you notice changes in your personality or movements. Doctors can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by dementia or another health condition. If you do have dementia, obtaining an early and accurate diagnosis can help you manage the disease through potential treatment options, and help you plan for the future.
