“Dementia” is a term used to describe more than 70 conditions that result in loss of memory and logical thinking. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. Vascular dementia is the next most common (it is most often caused by a stroke or by a series of small strokes). Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, or long-term alcohol abuse can also bring on memory problems. Some forms of dementia are temporary or treatable. Most are not. And most are progressive, meaning they get worse over time.
Memory loss affects not only the person who has it, but also family members. People with dementia usually end up needing lots of assistance. In the later stages, they cannot live on their own.
Below are articles to help you get a better sense of dementia symptoms and what you can do to make it easier on everyone involved.