Dementia, also known as senility is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that is great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning.
Senile dementia is a disease caused by the degeneration of the brain cells. It is different from normal senility in the elderly in that the patient’s brain function will gradually deteriorate resulting in progressive loss of memory and mental abilities, and noticeable personality changes.
Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include:
Cognitive changes
- Memory loss, which is usually noticed by a spouse or someone else
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
- Difficulty handling complex tasks
- Difficulty with planning and organizing
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions.
- Confusion and disorientation
Psychological changes
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Inappropriate behavior
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
Other common symptoms include emotional problems, problems with language, and a decrease in motivation.