Dementia occurs when there is a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. You might experience difficulties with daily tasks, communication problems, and personality changes. There is no cure for dementia. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Making efforts to stay socially engaged and cognitively stimulated are important.
What Is Dementia? Medically Reviewed by David Weisman, MD | March 30, 2026
FAQ
What are early dementia signs?
Early signs of dementia may include memory loss and thinking problems that interfere with day-to-day tasks like doing finances, making and keeping appointments, and maintaining normal activities.
Is dementia a normal part of aging?
Memory loss, defined as the inability to retain information, is not a normal part of aging. Normal aging includes slowing of thinking and having moments of forgetfulness with rare words and names, whereas the symptoms of dementia are progressive.
What are common types of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontal temporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia are common types of dementia.
Can dementia be prevented?
Certain lifestyle strategies may lower the risk of dementia, but there is no known way to prevent it.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosing dementia involves cognitive tests and brain imaging.
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David Weisman, MD
Medical Reviewer
David Weisman, MD, is the director of the Clinical Trial Center at Abington Neurological Associates in Pennsylvania, where he has conducted numerous clinical trials into mild cogni...
Jason Chua, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Division of Movement Disorders at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his training at th...
Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, ...
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