what is dementia

Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, language, and other cognitive abilities to the extent that they interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but rather an umbrella term that encompasses a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that worsen over time. Dementia is caused by changes in certain brain regions that cause neurons and their connections to stop working properly. The symptoms of dementia can vary widely from person to person, but they generally include problems with memory, attention, communication, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving. Some common early signs and symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language and understanding, and changes in behavior. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.