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September 2, 2010

 

DEMENTIA

Overview

 

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for more than half of elderly cases of dementia. A form of dementia called dementia with lewy bodies (DLB) accounts for another 15 percent to 25 percent of cases, and another form of dementia, vascular dementia, is thought to be the third-most frequent form of dementia.

People with dementia are often unable to perform daily life activities such as driving, working, or holding a conversation.

Some other common indicators of dementia include:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulties with familiar activities
  • Difficultly communicating or finding the right words
  • Difficultly remembering the day of the week or getting lost
  • Problems performing simple mathematical calculations
  • Leaving things behind
  • Experiencing mood swings or behavioral changes
  • Experiencing a loss of initiative

Speak with your health care professional if your loved one experiences several of the above signs.