Dementia

Dementia is not a disease, but a descriptive term for a number of symptoms of different diseases that affect the brain.  People with dementia have trouble remembering, thinking clearly, and planning ahead.  Over time, they will not be able to care for themselves.  Dementia is classified under 5 different categories, depending on which part of the brain is affected and how the disease progresses.  The first is cortical dementia which is located in the brain’s outer layer, called the cortex, and affects memory, language, and social behavior.  The second is subcortical dementia which targets parts of the brain below the cortex and causes changes to emotions, movement, and memory.  The third is progressive dementia, which worsens over time. The next is primary dementia, which does not result from illness or injury.  The last is secondary dementia, which is the result of a physical injury.  There is currently no cure, but medications can slow the progress of the condition, and behavior modification training can sometimes help.