Dementia Directory
We all forget things as we get older. Mild memory loss is common in older adults and as long as it doesn't affect their daily lives, isn't usually a problem. But memory loss that gets worse and affects daily life may be a sign of dementia. Dementia can cause problems with memory and how well a person is able to think and plan. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Usually dementia gets worse over time. How long this takes is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose skills quickly. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about dementia, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Types of Dementia
WebMD explains the different types of dementia, a syndrome that affects a person's thinking, behavior, and memory.
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The Basics of Dementia
WebMD provides a brief overview of dementia causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Dementia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
WebMD examines the relationship between dementia and ALS, a devastating motor neuron disease.
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Alzheimer’s Disease and Surgery
When there’s another serious health issue, surgery can improve quality of life for someone with Alzheimer’s. Know what to expect and how to support your loved one before and after an operation.
Features
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Making Memories
Researchers working to unlock the secrets of how memories are formed may one day offer treatments, or even cures, for some of our most devastating brain disorders -- from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's to mental retardation.
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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Changes Ahead for You and Your Family
What you and your family need to know about dementia and Alzheimer’s.
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How Working the Body Can Help the Aging Mind
How can exercise help people with dementia? How can keeping the body healthy keep an aging mind sharp?
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9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss
How can you keep your brain sharp as you age? Here are nine ways.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease
WebMD's caregiver's guide to understanding Alzheimer's disease symptoms and stages. Includes tips to avoid caregiver burnout.
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Slideshow: Things That Raise Your Chances of Dementia
Do you know the things that make you more likely to develop dementia and what you can do about them?
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Slideshow: Myths and Facts About Depression
Folk remedies and half-truths still prevent many from getting treatment for depression. Pictures show unusual symptoms in men, seniors, and others, along with many ways to recover.
Quizzes
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Brain Quiz: How Big Is Your Brain, How Many Cells Does It Have, & More
Try this quiz to see how much you know about brain cells, brain size, and more.
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Quiz: How Is Your Memory Holding Up?
Memory Quiz: Take this quiz to find out how we remember and why we forget.
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Memory Quiz: Why Do We Forget?
What causes memory glitches, how to protect your memory, and intriguing facts about the human mind -- test how much you know about memory matters.