About 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021, according to the World Health Organization. Knowing what it is, and what it is not, is the first step to helping.
A group of symptoms, not one disease
Dementia is a general term for changes in memory, thinking, language and problem solving that are serious enough to get in the way of daily life.
It is not one disease. It is a set of symptoms that different diseases can cause. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. Others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
More than memory loss
Memory problems are often the first thing people notice. But dementia can affect much more than memory.
It can change how a person speaks, plans and makes decisions. It can make everyday tasks harder, like paying bills or following a recipe. Mood, behavior and personality can change too.
Normal aging or something more?
Everyone forgets things sometimes. Some changes are a common part of getting older:
- Sometimes having trouble finding the right word
- Misplacing things from time to time, then finding them by retracing your steps
- Being confused about the day of the week, then figuring it out later
These changes are more worrying, and are worth talking to a doctor about:
- Forgetting where you are or how you got there
- Losing things in unusual places and not being able to retrace your steps
- Struggling to name a familiar object
The difference is that with dementia, the changes keep happening and make daily life harder.
Dementia is not a normal part of getting older
Dementia becomes more common as people age. But it is not an inevitable part of aging. Getting older does not mean you will get dementia.
It can also affect younger people. When symptoms begin before age 65, it is called young-onset dementia. About 9 out of every 100 people with dementia have the young-onset kind.
Some causes can be treated
Some health problems can look like dementia. These include low vitamin B12, thyroid problems, depression, and side effects from medicines. When the cause is treated, memory and thinking can sometimes improve.
This is one more reason to see a doctor about memory changes. Do not assume it is dementia, and do not ignore it.
What can be done
There is no cure for dementia yet. But a lot can be done to support people living with dementia, and the people who care for them.
A doctor can look for the cause, help manage symptoms, and help a family plan ahead.