Word parts
What it means
A group of brain conditions in which thinking skills slowly get worse over months to years. Alzheimer diseaseAHLTS-hy-mer dih-ZEEZA brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.Full entry is the most common cause; others include vascular dementia (after strokes), Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Memory, language, judgment and the ability to do daily tasks decline, and behavior can change. It differs from deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , which comes on suddenly and can often be reversed.
For the nurse
Keep routines and surroundings the same, speak simply and give one direction at a time. Watch for safety risks such as falls, wandering and missed meals. A sudden change in a client with dementia may be delirium from an infection or a drug, so report it.
In a chart
"Client with dementia oriented to self only; redirected easily; wandering alarm in place."
At a glance
| Spanish | demencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | dementias |
Easy to confuse with
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
Related terms
Alzheimer disease
A brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
mental status
A person's state of mind at a given time: how alert they are, what they know and how they think, speak and behave.
caregiver
A person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.