Dementia is a chronic or progressive neurological disorder that impairs cognitive function. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for 60-80% of cases. Other forms include Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and vascular dementia (VaD). Dementia affects people of all ages but is most common in older adults.
There is no one definition of dementia because it manifests differently in different people. However, the main features are impaired cognition and changes in behaviour that interfere with daily activities. Dementia typically progresses slowly and worsens over time. In its early stages, it may be difficult to detect as symptoms can be mild or attributed to other causes such as stress or aging. As the condition progresses, symptoms become more severe and obvious. People with advanced dementia may lose the ability to communicate or take care of themselves.
There is no known cure for dementia and no effective medical treatment to halt its progression. Management focuses on symptom relief and supporting caregivers. There is evidence that lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, social engagement, and mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of developing dementia or delaying its onset.