dementia
noun
de·men·tia
di-ˈmen(t)-shə 
-shē-ə
1
: a usually progressive condition (such as Alzheimer's disease) marked by the development of multiple cognitive deficits (such as memory impairment, aphasia, and the inability to plan and initiate complex behavior)
… dementia is diagnosed only when both memory and another cognitive function are each affected severely enough to interfere with a person's ability to carry out routine daily activities.—
The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationSynonyms
Examples of dementia in a Sentence
This patient suffers from dementia.
a new study on age-related dementias
Recent Examples on the Web
Her grandmother has dementia and has to take 13 different medications.
—Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024
Her mother, already difficult, is struggling with dementia, hence the road trip, which is meant to resettle her into Robin’s home.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2024
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of dementia.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
Mom, who had dementia, usually went along with whatever Dad told her to do.
—Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
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Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024
Her mother, already difficult, is struggling with dementia, hence the road trip, which is meant to resettle her into Robin’s home.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2024
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of dementia.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
Mom, who had dementia, usually went along with whatever Dad told her to do.
—Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dementia
Dictionary Entries Near dementia
Cite this Entry
“Dementia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dementia. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dementia
noun
de·men·tia
di-ˈmen-chə
1
: a condition of the brain that is marked especially by a deterioration in the ability to think, reason, or remember
2
: a condition of deteriorating mental functioning
Medical Definition
dementia
noun
de·men·tia
di-ˈmen-chə
: a usually progressive condition (as Alzheimer's disease) marked by the development of multiple cognitive deficits (as memory impairment, aphasia, and inability to plan and initiate complex behavior)
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