dementia

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dementia" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the progressive decline in cognitive function resulting from certain diseases or conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. For example, "The elderly man was suffering from dementia, which made it difficult for him to remember his loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr James Pickett, head of research and development at the Alzheimer's Society, said better identification of dementia by doctors accounted for the increase, as well as increasing life expectancy.

The Guardian

Isik says his fear of dementia was one inspiration for making it.

The Guardian - Tech

McCarvill said: "Unless someone has a formal diagnosis (of dementia), the response of health professionals will be very different to the patient.

The Guardian

The Alzheimer's Society said the number of people affected by dementia in the UK will reach 850,000 by 2015.

The Guardian

The charity said these figures suggested the UK would see a significant increase in the number of people with dementia.

The Guardian

He carried lucidity to the point of obfuscation, even beyond it to somewhere near dementia.

The Guardian

This gallery of moving photograps by Maja Daniels showing life inside a dementia ward.

The Guardian

Hunt also outlined his own priorities that include improving access to cancer care and continuing to make progress on dementia.

The Guardian

Figueredo is also accused of having lied in his application for US naturalisation then citizenship in August 2006 by falsely stating he was suffering from severe dementia.

The Guardian - Sport

Dementia costs the UK in excess of £26bn a year (equating to £30,000 per person with dementia every year).

The Guardian

They are often poorly paid and without any specific dementia training; she is at the mercy of a care service with no time to care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use person-centered language when discussing "dementia". For example, say "people living with dementia" instead of "dementia sufferers".

Common error

Don't assume that all individuals with "dementia" experience the same symptoms or progression. Each case is unique, and generalizing can lead to inaccurate and insensitive portrayals.

Linguistic Context

The word "dementia" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing medical conditions and social challenges. It often serves as the subject or object of sentences related to health, care, and research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dementia" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to a decline in cognitive function. As Ludwig AI indicates, this word is used across a range of sources, prominently in news and media. The analysis reveals that while grammatically sound, it's crucial to be specific about the type of dementia when possible and to employ person-centered language. Common errors include overgeneralizing the condition's effects. Semantically related alternatives, such as "cognitive decline" and "memory loss", can provide nuanced descriptions in specific contexts. Overall, "dementia" is a widely recognized and important term in discussions of health and social care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

senile dementia

A more specific term, implying age-related dementia.

vascular dementia

Specifies the type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

frontotemporal dementia

Specifies the type of dementia affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

cognitive decline

Focuses on the intellectual deterioration aspect.

cognitive impairment

Emphasizes the damaged cognitive function.

mental deterioration

General term referring to the decline of mental faculties.

memory loss

Highlights a specific symptom of dementia.

loss of mental function

Describes the loss of cognitive abilities.

alzheimer's disease

Refers to a specific cause of dementia.

neurodegenerative disease

Highlights the progressive degeneration of nerve cells.

FAQs

What are common early signs of dementia?

Early signs can include memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, decreased judgment, and changes in mood or behavior.

What can I say instead of "dementia"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "cognitive decline", "memory loss", or "cognitive impairment".

How is dementia different from Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia, while "dementia" is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Many conditions can cause dementia, Alzheimer's being the most common.

Is dementia a normal part of aging?

While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects cognitive abilities.