Understanding Dementia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn't one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia.

Dementia generally involves memory loss. It's often one of the early symptoms of the condition. But having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have different causes.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, but there are other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible.

Dementia Symptoms

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

Cognitive changes

• Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else.
• Problems communicating or finding words.
• Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving.
• Problems with reasoning or problem-solving.
• Trouble performing complex tasks.
• Trouble with planning and organizing.
• Poor coordination and control of movements.
• Confusion and disorientation.

Psychological changes

• Personality changes.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation.
• Inappropriate behavior.
• Being suspicious, known as paranoia.
• Seeing things that aren't there, known as hallucinations.