Meaning & Definition of word "Dementia"

Dementia

/dɪˈmɛnʃə/

noun:

  • 1. A chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.
    • Example: Her doctor diagnosed her with dementia after noticing her significant memory loss.
  • 2. A decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life.
    • Example: Many families struggle to care for loved ones suffering from dementia.
  • 3. A general term for a range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, that cause a decline in mental ability.
    • Example: Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for various types of cognitive impairment.
  • 4. A condition that affects the brain, leading to problems with memory, communication, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
    • Example: Understanding the symptoms of dementia can help in early diagnosis and better management.

Etymology

Late Latin 'dementia' from 'demens' meaning 'mad or out of one’s mind'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Alzheimer's disease:

A progressive disease that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline, often associated with dementia.

vascular dementia:

Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes.

frontotemporal dementia:

A group of disorders caused by progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Related Words

Alzheimer's:

A common form of dementia that leads to progressive memory loss.

cognitive impairment:

Difficulty in understanding or processing information, often a sign of dementia.

short-term memory loss:

The inability to remember recent information, often seen in dementia patients.

Slang Meanings of dementia

Meaning: Demented

Example Sentence: He's acting a bit demented lately.

Meaning: Gone off the deep end

Example Sentence: She’s really gone off the deep end with her forgetfulness.