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...

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...

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...

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...

Hallucinations and delusions can happen in people who are living with dementia. When someone hallucinates, they see, hear, or smell something that isn't there. Delusions are false beliefs or ideas. For example, a person may believe that a longtime...

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,

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

Includes info on dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo. Also has links to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease as well as information on diabetic neuropathy and seizures.