What is dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of symptoms related to memory loss, language challenges, and cognitive decline. It is important to understand that dementia is not a diagnosis in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. People often confuse dementia with Alzheimer’s disease, but dementia is more like a symptom of a larger issue, just as high cholesterol or high blood pressure are symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

There are several possible causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, B12 deficiency, chronic sleep deprivation, and other diseases such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal lobe dementia, Lewy body dementia. When someone shows symptoms of memory loss, language problems, and cognitive decline, their doctor will work to determine the underlying cause.

While dementia is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, there are many other symptoms associated with this condition as well. It is important to seek medical attention if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms to identify the cause and receive appropriate care. Understanding the underlying cause can help guide treatment and support for those affected.