what dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills, to an extent that interferes with daily life. It is not a specific disease, but rather a collection of symptoms caused by various diseases that lead to damage in brain cells, affecting the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. The symptoms of dementia are progressive, starting slowly and worsening over time, ultimately impairing daily life and independent function. Common types of dementia include Alzheimers disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases, and is associated with abnormal buildups of proteins in the brain, known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Dementia can also be a result of a mixture of changes in the brain, known as mixed dementia, and the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. It is important to seek a professional evaluation if memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills are experienced, as early detection may help in managing the condition.