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You might observe that a person with dementia:

• repeatedly asks the same questions
• becomes lost or disoriented in familiar places
• is unable to follow directions
• is disoriented as to the date or time of day
• does not recognize and is confused about familiar people
• has difficulty with routine tasks such as paying the bills
• neglects personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition

_What causes dementia and its symptoms?Learn more about conditions that can cause dementia and its symptoms.

Read Article by Harvard Health Publications

In a healthy brain, mass and speed may decline in adulthood, but this miraculous machine continues to form vital connections throughout life. However, when connections are lost through inflammation, disease, or injury, neurons eventually die and dementia may result. The prospect of literally losing one's self can be traumatic, but early intervention can dramatically alter the outcome. Understanding causes is the first step.

In the past twenty years, scientists have greatly demystified the origins of dementia. Genetics may increase your risks, but scientists believe a combination of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle factors are most likely at work.