What is Dementia? Signs and Symptoms
Although it is estimated that approximately 44 million people around the world are currently living with dementia, many people do not immediately realize they are living with this disease. Even when it is recognized, only 45% of dementia patients are told by their doctor of their diagnosis. In order to receive proper care in a timely manner, one must be educated on the signs and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when a person must depend completely on others for basic activities of living. Dementia is more common as people grow older, but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia. There are several forms of dementia, including Alzhe
