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Dementia

Condition Basics

What is dementia?

We all forget things as we get older. Many older people have a slight loss of memory that does not affect their daily lives. But memory loss that gets worse may mean that you have dementia.

Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects your daily life. It can cause problems with memory, problem-solving, and learning. It also can cause problems with thinking and planning.

Dementia usually gets worse over time. But how quickly it gets worse is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose skills quickly.

Your chances of having dementia rise as you get older. But this doesn't mean that everyone will get it.

What causes it?

Dementia is caused by damage to or changes in the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. Strokes are the second most common cause. Other causes include diseases such as Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal dementia.

What are the symptoms?

Usually the first symptom of dementia is memory loss. Often the person with memory loss doesn't notice it. As dementia gets worse, the person may have trouble doing things that take planning. The person may have trouble using or understanding words or may get lost in well-known places.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test for dementia. To diagnose dementia, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about illnesses and life events. Your doctor may test your memory by asking you to tell what day and year it is, repeat a series of words, or draw a clock face.

How is dementia treated?

Medicines for dementia can make it easier to live with. They may help improve mental function, mood, or behavior. An active social life, counseling, and sometimes medicine may help with changing emotions.

How can you care for someone who has dementia?

Care needs will change over time. You'll work with health professionals to create a safe and comfortable environment and make tasks of daily living easier. You can help by making sure the person eats well. You can also help manage sleep problems. The person may also need help with bladder and bowel control.

Cause Symptoms What Happens When to Call a Doctor Exams and Tests Treatment Overview Self-Care Medicines Caring for Someone Who Has Dementia

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

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