What Is Dementia? Dementia is described as the gradual loss of brain function. Dementia most notably affects the following features of the brain:

• Memory Impairment: STAGE 1 (MILD). We can all suffer from mild memory problems from time to time, it doesn't necessarrily follow that we will develop dementia. For this reason, though, early stages of dementia is hard to spot, because they could be explained by stress, illness or "having a senior moment".
• Memory Impairment: STAGE 2 (MODERATE). In this stage, the person affected is likely to become reliant on the caregiver. They may show a failure to recognise friends, get confused over the date or time and may appear disoriented.
• Memory Impairment: STAGE 3 (SEVERE). In this stage, the person may become unable to recall details about themselves (such as their birthday); they may confuse real memories with "fake" memories; they may show poor judgement, or appear paranoid or depressed.

As well as the above symptoms of gradual memory impairment, people with dementia may show one or more of the following symptoms:

• Problems with words (APHASIA): some people may find it difficult to remember the names of things, or may repeat phrases and words over and over again. Others may have problems with reading or writing.
• Problems with movement (APRAXIA): some people may experience problems in getting their muscles to work work they way they want them to, resulting in a difficulty with things like dressing, driving or drawing a picture.
• Recognising objects (AGNOSIA): some people with dementia may find it difficult recognising objects, even everyday objects. Recognition of objects can involve different senses - vision, hearing, touch and smell might all be affected. For example, a person with dementia might hear a fire engine but not recognise the sound it makes.
• Executive Functions: the "executive functions" of the brain help us to plan things, to form ideas and concepts. If our executive functions are effected, it might prevent us from performing mental arithmetic, say, planning a bath or the cooking of a meal.

If you feel that someone you know is showing some of the signs of dementia, you must speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Many of the above symptoms can be signs of other medical conditions (like delerium, amnesia or depression) - you should not assume a certain symptom is a sure sign of dementia - only the doctor can diagnose dementia.