What is dementia?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that impairs a person's ability to function in daily life. Some cognitive decline is normal with aging. However, it is quite subtle, like misplacing keys. But the cognitive decline associated with dementia is severe. For instance, a person with dementia may forget the names of their loved ones. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia.[1]

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