Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

Alzheimer's, dementia, lifespan, memory, memory impairment, vascular dementia

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes the sufferer to have problems with memory, thinking and behaviors beyond what is expected from the normal aging process. It is the most common neurological disorder in old age, although some types of dementia can occur earlier in the lifespan. Dementia is characterized by severe memory impairment, as well as problems with other psychological functions such as attention, reasoning and problem-solving. Late stage dementia can lead to total erosion of the person and self with the sufferer having trouble speaking, eating, walking and being able to dress themselves. The word dementia comes from the Latin word meaning “without mind” and there are several different types.

Download

Share

COinS