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.