dementia

[ dih-men-shuh, -shee-uh ]

noun

1. a condition characterized by progressive, persistent, severe impairment of intellectual capacity, including memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability, resulting from the loss of or damage to neurons in the brain.

dementia

/ -ʃɪə; dɪˈmɛnʃə /

noun

1. a state of serious emotional and mental deterioration, of organic or functional origin

dementia

/ dĭ-mĕn′shə /

1. Deterioration of intellectual faculties, such as memory, concentration, and judgment, sometimes accompanied by emotional disturbance and personality changes. Dementia is caused by organic damage to the brain (as in Alzheimer's disease), head trauma, metabolic disorders, or the presence of a tumor.

Other Words From

• de·men·tial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dementia¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin dēmentia “madness,” equivalent to dēment- “out of one's mind” ( dement ) + -ia noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dementia¹

C19: from Latin: madness; see dement

Example Sentences

Have you known people with dementia before now?

From Los Angeles Times

The more the disease is diagnosed, the more individuals will be identified for future treatments, and there is no doubt we need to improve recognition of early dementia, especially in medically underserved populations.

From Los Angeles Times

But her ultimate goal is to build a care home with a dementia unit, which could cost over £500,000 due to rising construction costs.

From BBC

In her later years, her portrayal of a devoted wife caring for a husband with dementia, including their very moving final goodbye, was deeply poignant and powerful radio.

From BBC

The winning film was a narrative that explored how food helped an elderly woman with dementia remember her life with her late husband.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brain damage
• mental disorder