Dementia

Early discussion is helpful when concerns affect daily life; screening approach is individualized.

No; occasional lapses, stress-related memory changes, and other conditions can affect memory. Persistent functional impact warrants evaluation.

Some causes (like thyroid disease or vitamin deficiency) may improve with treatment. Neurodegenerative dementias are progressive, but early management may slow decline.

Education, environmental safety, routine, involvement in loved one's care planning, and caregiver support are important.

Specialist clinics, family education, caregiver groups, and community resources provide support. Discuss with your healthcare team.

Alzheimer's disease is most common, followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, and mixed causes common in older adults — often multiple contributors coexist.

Progressive decline in memory, thinking, behavior, or function interfering with daily life — memory lapses, word-finding difficulty, disorientation, mood or behavior changes.

Through history, cognitive screening, informant interview, labs, and brain imaging as indicated to identify contributors and stage severity.

Education, safety planning, caregiver support, managing vascular and mood contributors, and discussion of options appropriate to cause and stage — no guaranteed cure.

When worrisome decline over months affects daily tasks, safety concerns like wandering or medication errors arise, or acute confusion occurs — the latter needs urgent care.