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

2

: madness, insanity

a fanaticism bordering on dementia

demential

di-ˈmen(t)-shəl 

-shē-əl

adjective

Synonyms

• aberration
• derangement
• insanity
• lunacy
• madness
• mania
• rage [archaic]

Examples of dementia in a Sentence

This patient suffers from dementia.

a new study on age-related dementias

Recent Examples on the Web

Numerous studies have shown a link between not wearing hearing aids and the progression of dementia in people with hearing loss. —Mill Etienne, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

But his defense attorneys had argued that Girardi’s dementia and ongoing cognitive decline warranted keeping him out of prison and in the memory care ward of his Orange County nursing home. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

The event honors their mother, who died of dementia in 2016. —Eileen Finan, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Fannie’s Friends support group: Fannie’s Friends is a virtual support group for adult daughters and granddaughters caring for those living with dementia. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēmentia "derangement, insanity, folly," noun derivative of Latin dēment-, dēmens "out of one's mind, frenzied, insane," from dē- de- + -ment, -mens, adjective derivative of ment-, mens "power of reason, mental balance, mind" — more at mind entry 1

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dementia

• dementia praecox
• dementia pugilistica
• senile dementia

Kids 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)

demential

-chəl 

adjective