dementia
Dementia (noun) means a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning caused by disease or damage to the brain, beyond what normal aging would cause. Example: “Her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia in her late seventies.”
How to use dementia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA medical condition where memory and thinking gradually get worse, more than normal aging would explain.
Word forms
dementias plural, dementiae plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her grandmother was diagnosed with _____ in her late seventies.
Etymology
From Latin dementia, from de- ("away from") plus mens ("mind") — literally "being out of one's mind".
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for dementia
See all rhymes for dementia →Frequently asked questions
What does “dementia” mean?
The word “dementia” means a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning caused by disease or damage to the brain, beyond what normal aging would cause. In plain terms, a medical condition where memory and thinking gradually get worse, more than normal aging would explain.
How do you pronounce “dementia”?
“Dementia” is pronounced dih-MEHN-shuh (/dɪˈmɛnʃə/ in IPA).
How do you use “dementia” in a sentence?
Here is “dementia” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia in her late seventies.”
What part of speech is “dementia”?
“Dementia” is a noun.
Where does the word “dementia” come from?
The word “dementia” comes from Latin. From Latin dementia, from de- ("away from") plus mens ("mind") — literally "being out of one's mind".
Is “dementia” a common word?
“Dementia” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Dementia is a general term for a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning caused by disease or brain damage. Alzheimer's disease is the most common specific cause of dementia, meaning Alzheimer's is one type of dementia rather than a separate condition.
Is dementia a normal part of aging?
No, dementia involves a decline in memory and thinking that goes beyond what normal aging would cause. While some memory changes are typical with age, dementia reflects an underlying disease or damage to the brain.
What are common early signs associated with dementia?
Dementia typically involves a noticeable decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that affects daily life. Because it is progressive, symptoms tend to worsen gradually over time as the underlying brain condition advances.
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