What is dementia?
Dementia is the chronic deterioration of mental or cognitive abilities, such as concentration, memory and judgement. It is often accompanied by emotional disturbance and changes in personality. Initially, difficulties can be quite mild and, as such, the term ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) is used. But if deterioration is significant and severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning then it is known as ‘dementia’.
Short term memory is usually affected, so it can be hard to recall familiar names or how to perform simple tasks, while events from the past might remain clear and more easily remembered. Sometimes perception will be affected and it might become hard to make sense of surroundings and daily routines. Finding words and understanding others may also become more difficult.
