dementia

noun

de·​men·​tia di-ˈmen(t)-shə How to pronounce dementia (audio)
-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 adjective

Examples of dementia in a Sentence

This patient suffers from dementia. a new study on age-related dementias
Recent Examples on the Web Donations may be made to Lorenzo’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families around the world impacted by younger-onset dementia. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Like the movie, the show is a heartbreaking portrayal of dementia As fans of the book and movie will know, the poignant throughline of the show is Older Noah (Dorian Harewood) visiting Older Allie (Maryann Plunkett) in a nursing home. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 Fu Sheng Yee, who authorities said was considered at risk because of his age and dementia condition, was apparently located Monday, but police did not release details about where or when he was found. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 García Márquez spent much of the last decade of his life with debilitating dementia — an ironic cruelty for a master of chronicling memories, said his eldest son. Carrie Kahn, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 The online support groups also reached places like Berryville, Arkansas, a town of just 5,000 where there are few resources for family caregivers like Cynthia Morin, who cares for her husband who has dementia. Barry Petersen, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2024 Two days before the series released, Williams’ team shared that in 2023, she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 Days after the revelation that Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, the producers of her Lifetime docuseries are opening up about their decision to keep cameras rolling. Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2024 Because professional resources are limited, relatives such as spouses or children often care for dementia patients. Sergei Vardomatski, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dementia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dementia was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near dementia

Cite this Entry

“Dementia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dementia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dementia

noun
de·​men·​tia di-ˈmen-chə How to pronounce dementia (audio)
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 How to pronounce dementia (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dementia

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