How does dementia make communication difficult? A person with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer's may have trouble finding the right words. As dementia gets worse, so do problems with words and thinking. A person may say things that don't make sense. They may also have trouble knowing what others are saying. When...

Discusses causes of dementia, which include strokes, tumors, and Alzheimer's disease. Covers symptoms like memory loss and forgetfulness. Covers how dementia is diagnosed. Looks at treatment options. Covers issues for caregivers.

Dementia is a loss of mental skills—such as memory, problem solving, and learning—that's bad enough to interfere with your daily life. It usually gets worse over time. But how long this takes is different for each person. There are medicines you can take for dementia. They don't cure it, but they can slow it down for a...

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia often raises some important legal and financial issues for the future. The person with dementia should be involved in these decisions as long as they are able and willing to be involved. Get professional legal advice as soon as possible. Early in the disease, the...

Vascular (or multi-infarct) dementia refers to a decline in a person's mental abilities that results from a series of strokes. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, cutting off the blood supply to the brain. Vascular dementia often progresses step by step, with declines in memory and mental...

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of diseases in which parts of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes) shrink, or atrophy, causing changes in personality and behavior. People with frontotemporal dementia may display unusual behavior, such as a lack of caring and lack of inhibition. In one type of frontotemporal...

Taking care of someone who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia can be a difficult, stressful, and tiring job. It affects the caregiver's health and ability to rest and can be a source of stress and conflict for the entire household. The...

Many people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia can become agitated or upset easily. Here are some things you can try: Keep distractions to a minimum. Keep noise levels low and voices quiet. Develop simple daily routines for bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities. Ask the person what is upsetting them...

The easiest way to learn about someone's pain level is to ask and get an answer. But when someone has severe dementia, communicating can be difficult. Memory problems can also get in the way. But there are ways you can assess pain with few to no words. The more you get to know a person, the better you can understand...

Getting a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia to eat enough may be a challenge in some cases. Some of these tips may help you. If the person resists using a spoon or fork, don't force the issue. Some people may have vision or motor problems that make using a spoon or fork difficult. Serve food that can...

People who have Alzheimer's disease or another dementia are sometimes easily confused. They may forget where they are, what day it is, and other common facts. Sundowning is a term to describe increased confusion that occurs in late afternoon and at night. The person gets restless at those times of day. The person may...

The decision to try medicine to treat behavior problems in Alzheimer's disease is different for each person. The decision weighs the risks and benefits of these medicines. Your doctor can help you decide. Medicines for behavior problems linked to dementia do not work very well for most people and may have serious risks...

A person's medical history and a physical exam are important parts of the evaluation when the person has symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Medical history The doctor will ask questions during a medical history to assess a person's past and current overall health and to find out how well the person functions...

It's common to forget things sometimes as we get older. But some older people have memory loss that's more than normal aging. It's called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. It is not the same as dementia. People with the condition often know that their memory or mental function has changed. Tests may show some loss. But...

One of the most difficult problems to deal with as a caregiver is the sometimes strange or disruptive behaviors that people with dementia develop. They may wander, do certain things repeatedly, or insist on unusual routines or activities. Some behaviors that seem strange or disturbing may be natural expressions of a...

Discusses a form of mental decline (also called dementia). Looks at possible causes. Covers symptoms like memory loss and changes in mood or behavior. Covers treatment with medicines to help with memory and thinking problems. Offers tips for caregivers.

A health professional may evaluate the day-to-day functioning of a person who has Alzheimer's disease by asking questions and observing the person. This often is done informally during the medical history and physical exam. Sometimes the health professional may use a more formal functional status exam to evaluate a...

Whether a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia should still be allowed to drive is a common dilemma faced by people who have the disease and by their caregivers. Taking away driving privileges may reduce the person's sense of independence and increase dependence on family and friends. This can be a very...

A person who is aware of losing some mental and functional abilities may be depressed or frightened and may feel like a burden to those who take care of them. Helping the person stay active and involved may make it easier for both of you. Take advantage of the person's remaining abilities for as long as possible. It is...

Wandering can pose a major problem for the caregiver and can be dangerous for a person who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Use medical identification. Get a medical ID bracelet for the person so that you can be contacted if they wander away. Try to figure out why the person wanders. The person may be trying...

Huntington disease is a rare condition that causes parts of the brain to break down, or degenerate. It is also called Huntington chorea. The disease causes rapid, jerky body movements and the loss of mental skills (dementia). Huntington disease can cause personality changes, behavior problems, and memory loss. Symptoms...

Provides links to how-to information on special health concerns of seniors. Includes healthy aging, sexuality, hearing loss, osteoporosis, and walking for fitness. Also covers writing an advance directive.