Dementia

“Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning
— thinking, remembering, and reasoning —
to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Dementia Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
  • Dementia
  • Lewy Body Dementia
  • Mixed Dementia
  • Vascular Dementia

Terminology

Is dementia an umbrella term?

In About Dementia: Types of Dementia Dementia Australia explain:

“Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of neurological conditions, of which the major symptom includes a global decline in brain function”.2

In About Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What Is Dementia? Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) also note:

“Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain and impact on memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion”.3

Definition

What is dementia?

DotS the definition of dementia may vary. The (United States) National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) definition is:

“Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities”.4

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by a number of diseases which over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, typically leading to deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of biological ageing. While consciousness is not affected, the impairment in cognitive function is commonly accompanied, and occasionally preceded, by changes in mood, emotional control, behaviour, or motivation”.5

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of dementia?

In About Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What Is Dementia? the ADI elaborate on:

“The specific symptoms a person living with dementia experiences will depend upon what parts of the brain are affected and/or the specific disease that is causing their dementia. Symptoms may include:

  • Loss of memory
  • Difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying
  • Difficulty in performing previously routine tasks
  • Personality and mood changes”.6

Aging

Is dementia a normal part of aging?

According to the WHO:

“Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing”.7

Cause

What may cause dementia?

In Dementia: Key Facts the WHO explain:

“Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain”.8

Alzheimer’s Disease

What is the association between Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia?

In Dementia: Key Facts, dated 15 March 2023, the WHO note:

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases”.9

Women

In women, how common is dementia?

In Dementia: Key Facts the WHO note:

  • “Women are disproportionately affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly. Women experience higher disability-adjusted life years and mortality due to dementia, but also provide 70% of care hours for people living with dementia”.10

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and dementia?

In Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. My memory is just not as good as it used to be, and it’s really bothering me. Does menopause cause this? Will it ever get better? the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

“A. Memory and other cognitive abilities change throughout life. Difficulty concentrating and remembering are common complaints during perimenopause and the years right afterward. Some data imply that even though there is a trend for memory to be worse during the menopause transition, memory after the transition is as good as it was before. Memory problems may be more related to normal cognitive aging, mood, and other factors than to menopause or the menopause transition”.11

In Memory & Dementia: Menopause & Memory the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health also note:

“Perimenopause (when periods start to become irregular, and menopause symptoms begin) is known to be a time of memory lapses, poor concentration and ‘foggy’ thinking. Sixty per cent of women report memory complaints with menopause”.12

Depression

Is there an association between depression and dementia?

In Look After Your Mind: Keeping Your Brain Active Is Important To Keep It Functioning Well – Depression Your Brain Matters explain:

“Depression is often associated with an increased risk of dementia. It is important to seek medical advice should you recognise the symptoms of depression and to look after your psychological wellbeing”.13

Prevention

How may dementia be prevented?

In Brain Health the (United States) Alzheimer’s Association explain:

“Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and maintaining good heart health”.14

Health Care Provider

What if I would like reassurance I do not have dementia?

If you would like reassurance you do not have dementia, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Dementia Guide: About Dementia – What Is Dementia. the (United Kingdom) NHS also note:

“It’s normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you’re becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you’re over the age of 65, it’s a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia”.15

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Dementia?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Dementia?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 6 Tips To Keep Your Brain Healthy
  2. 7 Habits Make for A Healthy Heart — and Brain, Too
  3. About Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  4. About Dementia
  5. About Dementia
  6. About Dementia
  7. About Dementia: Alzheimer’s Disease
  8. About Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions
  9. About Dementia: Types of Dementia
  10. About Dementia: What Is Dementia?
  11. About Dementia: What Is Dementia?
  12. Adopt A Healthy Diet
  13. After A Diagnosis of Dementia: Next Steps Checklist
  14. Alz.co.uk [Alzheimer’s Disease International]
  15. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
  16. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: About the ADEAR Center [Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center]
  17. Alzheimer’s Disease – Multiply Languages
  18. Brain Health
  19. Breaking Down the Burden of Alzheimer’s Disease for Women: A Call to Action
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  20. Caregiving
  21. Communicating With Someone With Dementia
  22. Dementia
  23. Dementia
  24. Dementia
  25. Dementia A To Z
  26. Dementia Guide
  27. Dementia Guide: About Dementia
  28. Dementia Guide: Living With Dementia
  29. Dementia Guide: Looking After Someone With Dementia
  30. Dementia-Related Pain: What Caregivers Need To Know
  31. Dementia Research and Clinical Trials: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers
  32. Dementia Risk Reduction
    Dementia
  33. Dementia Symptoms Checklist
  34. Dementia With Lewy Bodies: What Is It and What Causes It?
  35. Dementia – 12 Things To Know To Reduce Your Risk
  36. Dementia – Multiply Languages
  37. Dementia-Related Pain: What Caregivers Need To Know
  38. Dementia.org.au [Dementia Australia]
  39. Dementia: Diagnosis & Treatment
  40. Dementiauk.org [Dementia UK, United Kingdom]
  41. Diabetes and Dementia Risk: Another Good Reason To Keep Blood Sugar In Check
  42. Diets Rich In Flavonoids Linked To Better Brain Health
  43. Don’t Forget To Floss: The Science Behind Dementia and the Four Things You Should Do To Prevent It
  44. FDA Converts Novel Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment To Traditional Approval
  45. Five Things You Should Know About Dementia
  46. Forgetfulness Normal or Not
  47. Frontotemporal Dementia: What Is It?
  48. Genetics of Dementia
  49. Growing – and Aging – Hispanic Population At Risk for Dementia
  50. Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Reduced Dementia Risk Despite Family History of Dementia
  51. Home Remedies: Can Folic Acid Supplements Slow Cognitive Decline?
  52. Home Remedies: Can Ginkgo Biloba Prevent Memory Loss?
  53. How Can Someone Minimise the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia?
  54. How Do We Maintain A Healthy Brain?
  55. International Menopause Society Statement – Use of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease In Finland: Nationwide Case-Control Study
  56. Is It Normal Aging or Early Signs of Dementia?
  57. Keeping Your Brain Sharp Isn’t About Working More Puzzles
  58. Living With A Dementia
  59. Looking After Someone With Dementia
  60. Mayo Clinic Expert Explains Why A Change Is Needed When Talking About Dementia [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Name Super/CG: Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D./Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center/Mayo Clinic
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: Brain Activities Decrease Risk of Dementia [+ Video]
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can the MIND Diet Improve Brain Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  63. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing Dementia Risks [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  64. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Vascular Dementia? [+ Video]
  65. Mayo Clinic Q and A: 4 Ways To Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
  66. Memory and Cognition
  67. Memory Loss In Women – Is It Age or Menopause?
  68. Memory Loss Is Not a Normal Part of Aging
  69. Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not
  70. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Dementia: Nationwide, Nested Case-Control Study
  71. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  72. Mindyourrisks.nih.gov [Mind Your Risks]
  73. Mixed Dementia
  74. My Doctor Thinks I Have Mild Cognitive Impairment – What Does It Mean?
  75. NINDS Dementia Information Page [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, United States]
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary Supplements and Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease: What the Science Says
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  79. Other Languages
  80. Ovary Removal (Oophorectomy): A Risk Factor for Dementia?
  81. Participating In Activities You Enjoy
  82. Prevention
  83. Signs and Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
  84. Stay Mentally and Socially Active
  85. The Best Foods To Eat for Better Memory and Brain Health
  86. The Effects of Estrogen on the Risk of Developing Dementia: A Cohort Study Using the UK Biobank Data
  87. Types of Dementia
  88. Understanding Different Types Dementia Dementia
  89. Untangling the Threads of Early Onset Dementia
  90. Vascular Dementia: What Is It and What Causes It?
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How To Protect Your Brain Health At Menopause and Beyond
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
  93. What Is Dementia?
  94. What Is Dementia?
  95. What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?
  96. What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
  97. When To Seek Help for Memory Loss
  98. Why Is Dementia Different for Women?
  99. World Alzheimer’s Month [September]
  100. Young Onset Dementia: Perimenopause and Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis.  Content Reviewed: 08 December 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  2. About Dementia: Types of Dementia. Dementia Australia https://www.dementia.org.au/information/about-dementia/types-of-dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  3. About Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What Is Dementia? Alzheimer’s Disease International https://www.alzint.org/about/ Accessed: 27 October 2023
  4. Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis.  Content Reviewed: 08 December 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  5. Dementia: Key Facts. 15 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  6. About Alzheimer’s & Dementia: What Is Dementia? Alzheimer’s Disease International https://www.alz.co.uk/about-dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  7. Dementia: Risk Factors and Prevention. 15 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  8. Dementia: Key Facts. 15 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  9. Dementia: Key Facts. 15 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  10. Dementia: Key Facts. 15 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  11. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. My memory is just not as good as it used to be, and it’s really bothering me. Does menopause cause this? Will it ever get better? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 27 October 2023
  12. Memory & Dementia: Menopause & Memory. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/memory-dementia Accessed: 27 October 2023
  13. Look After Your Mind: Keeping Your Brain Active Is Important To Keep It Functioning Well – Depression. Your Brain Matters https://www.dementia.org.au/information/risk-reduction/look-after-your-mind Accessed: 27 October 2023
  14. Brain Health. Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/we_can_help_brain_health_maintain_your_brain.asp Accessed: 27 October 2023
  15. Dementia Guide: About Dementia – What Is Dementia. Page Last Reviewed: 20 July 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/? Accessed: 27 October 2023
Topic Last Updated: 30 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 27 October 2023

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