What is Dementia?

Dementia is a gradual progressive loss of memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, as well as physical function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia is a non-specific syndrome in which affected areas of brain function may be affected, such as memory, language, problem solving and attention. Dementia, unlike Alzheimer's, is not a disease in itself. When dementia appears the higher mental functions of the patients are involved initially. Eventually, in the later stages, the person may not know what day of the week, month, or year it is; they may not know their surroundings, and might not be able to identify the people around them.

Dementia is significantly more common among older people. However, it can affect adults of any age.

Other Causes of Dementia

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
  • Vascular Dementia
  • Mixed Dementia
  • Dementia with Lewy Bodies
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Frontotemporal Dementia
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

For more information about Dementia visit...

The Alzheimer Association, Maine Chapter offers a 24/7 Helpline that provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900.

The 24/7 Helpline serves people with memory loss, caregivers, health care professionals and the public.