When someone you love receives a dementia diagnosis, the first question is usually “what kind?” But before we get there, it’s worth understanding what dementia actually is — because it’s not what most people think.
What Dementia Actually Is
Dementia is not a single disease. It’s a clinical syndrome characterized by acquired cognitive decline across multiple domains that is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. It represents a decline from a person’s previous level of ability and cannot be explained by delirium or psychiatric conditions alone.
Dementia is also not a normal part of aging. While age is the strongest risk factor, dementia results from underlying brain diseases or injuries that cause progressive impairment in at least two cognitive domains, which may include:
How Common Is Dementia?
Currently, approximately 7 million Americans — roughly 11% of adults over 65 — are living with dementia. That number is expected to reach 13.8 million by 2060. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org)
The Most Common Types of Dementia
Less Common Types of Dementia
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Ashley Kolb, RN, BCPA is a nurse patient advocate and care navigator with Caregiver Support and Resources, serving families throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Caregiver Support and Resources is not affiliated with any care community, hospital system, insurance carrier, or financial institution.
