What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease, but rather a term that describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.

While memory loss is common, dementia involves much more than just forgetting things.

Normal Aging vs. Dementia

Normal Aging	Dementia
Occasionally forgetting names or appointments	Frequently forgetting recent events or conversations
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word	Difficulty with language and communication
Making occasional poor decisions	Poor judgment and decision-making abilities
Sometimes misplacing things	Putting things in unusual places and being unable to find them

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It’s characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

• Gradual onset and progression
• Memory loss is often the first symptom
• Affects thinking, behavior, and memory

Lewy Body Dementia

Characterized by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain.

• Visual hallucinations
• Movement problems similar to Parkinson’s disease
• Fluctuating attention and alertness

Vascular Dementia

Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or other blood vessel problems.

• Stepwise progression
• Problems with planning and organization
• May occur alongside Alzheimer’s disease

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality and behavior.

• Changes in personality and behavior
• Difficulty with language
• Often occurs at a younger age (40-65)

For more information about specific diseases, visit:

• Alzheimer’s Association
• Lewy Body Dementia Association
• Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
• National Institute on Aging
• Alzheimers.gov