Abstract

Dementia Prevention Diagnosis and Supportive Care

Author(s): Sven Eriksson

Dementia is one of the most pressing public health of our time. Characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, memory, reasoning and the ability to perform daily activities, dementia affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, dementia remains widely misunderstood, often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Society tends to conflate dementia with normal aging, failing to recognize the complex neurological and social dimensions of the condition. This lack of understanding contributes not only to delayed diagnosis but also to inadequate support for patients and caregivers alike. From a clinical perspective, dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome with multiple underlying causes. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the majority of cases, but other forms such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia also contribute significantly. Each type presents distinct patterns of cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms, yet they share common features including memory impairment, language difficulties, disorientation and changes in mood or personality.