Dementia is a progressive loss of cognitive function, marked by memory problems, trouble communicating, impaired judgment, and confused thinking. Dementia most often occurs around age 65 and older but is a more severe form of decline than normal aging. People who develop dementia may lose the ability to regulate their emotions, especially anger , and their personalities may change.
What Is Dementia? (Plain Language Explanation)
Dementia refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Dementia
- Symptoms: The specific ways dementia shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen dementia
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When dementia occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Dementia
- Dementia is far more common than most people realize
- Dementia is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with dementia see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about dementia is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing dementia, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.