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

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 Word Forms

• demential 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

How likely are you to develop Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia, when you get older?

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People who have dementia might not be able to remember the word or think to ask for one.

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Where you live could have a powerful influence on how your brain functions and your chances of developing dementia, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

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My piece outlined the evidence for terminal lucidity among people with advanced dementia.

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There was no mention of his recent dementia tests.

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Related Words

• brain damage 
• mental disorder