Dementia refers to a syndrome (a group of symptoms) which affects a person's intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Different types of dementia exist, depending on the cause. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type. It is NOT a a normal part of aging. Medication and other treatments can improve many symptoms of dementia and the quality of life of the patient and family.

Dementia can occur due to various disorders or deficiencies that can be treated. In such cases the symptoms of dementia disappear with treatment of thy underlying cause.or dementia-like symptoms can be reversed.

The exact cause of the disease is not known. It is believed that the cause of disease could be genetic factors, environmental and lifestyle changes which gradually affect the brain. The disease causes the death or damage to the brain cells. The surviving cells have fewer inter-connections compared to those in the healthy brain. As the number of dead cells increase, the brain size starts to shrink.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop gradually and become severe over several years.

Memory loss (first sign of Alzheimer's disease. Severity increases gradually)
Confusion and disorientation
Difficulty with language and speech
Difficulty in taking decisions
Personality changes (e.g. aggressiveness, suspicion on others, hallucinations, low mood, anxiety, etc.)