The term dementia refers to a “syndrome” characterized by a collection of symptoms and signs. People living with dementia experience a significant decline in higher cognitive functions such as memory, language, attention, critical thinking, decision-making and planning skills, as well as orientation in space and time. Dementia can have many different causes. Just as any organ (e.g., the kidneys or liver) can be affected by disease, dementia can be caused by conditions that damage the brain.

Dementia describes any clinical syndrome marked by a significant decline in higher cognitive functions, such as memory, language, critical thinking, planning and decision-making, and spatial orientation. For cognitive decline to be classified as dementia, it must substantially interfere with daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease, including mixed forms of dementia, is the most common cause, accounting for 60%–70% of all cases. Pure Alzheimer’s accounts for 30%-35%. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that typically begins with difficulties in recent autobiographical memory and causes characteristic histological changes in brain regions associated with cognition.

Some of the most common early signs of dementia are:

• Forgetting things more and more often
• Finding it hard to carry out simple activities
• Experiencing language difficulties
• Becoming confused about place and time
• Noticing a decline in judgment
• Struggling to plan your daily routine
• Misplacing basic items
• Frequent mood and behavior changes
• Difficulty with visual-spatial awareness
• Avoiding social interactions

Yes, it depends on a person’s overall health. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, depression, hearing loss, and vision problems can increase the likelihood of developing dementia. Brain health is closely linked to general health.

• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Genetics (especially in early-onset dementia)
• High blood pressure and diabetes
• Severe head injuries
• Depression
• Unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise)
• Loneliness and social isolation
• Hearing loss (strongest risk factor for hearing people who lose hearing during life)

• Focus on emotional communication
• Avoid pointing out mistakes
• Use distraction when appropriate
• Take their concerns seriously
• Show respect and appreciation
• Convey calmness and a sense of security
• Support their independence
• Maintain contact with the Deaf Association

• Germany: two specialized centers (Erlangen and Lengerich); memory clinics with interpretation
• Greece: Hellenic Alzheimer’s Association, online platform with first Greek Sign Language screening test, Agios Ioannis Day Center trained staff
• Austria: …
• Italy: …

You should not pressure the person. Suggest general health check-ups and go together. Sometimes taking the test together helps. If they refuse categorically, do not force them. In Greece, guidance is available from the Home Care Unit of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The risk of dementia is higher in women than in men, partly because women generally live longer.

Genetics play a stronger role in early-onset dementia (before age 65), where certain genes increase risk. In late-onset dementia, susceptibility genes may raise risk, but carrying them doesn’t guarantee disease. Protective genes exist, such as ApoE2.

Dementia can involve behavioral changes, such as aggression, apathy, or loss of self-care. In frontotemporal dementia, symptoms may be unusual, including inappropriate behavior or neglect of personal care.

• Germany: specialized centers or memory clinics with interpreter
• Greece: Hellenic Alzheimer’s Association, online platform, trained day center staff
• Austria: …
• Italy: …

• Autism (ASD): developmental, present from childhood, affects social communication and behavior.
• Intellectual disability: developmental, limits intellectual functioning and daily life skills.
• Dementia: neurodegenerative, usually later in life, declines memory, thinking, language, affects daily self-care.

Normal forgetfulness may relate to stress or depression. Dementia symptoms occur more frequently, last longer, and interfere with daily activities. Often, family or friends notice changes before the individual does.

Dementia mostly appears in older age. Rare cases of early-onset dementia begin before age 65, sometimes as early as 35, usually due to genetic predisposition.

Each condition has distinct language and cognitive signs. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and communication progressively. Alzheimer’s has specific early memory deficits. Ordinary forgetfulness is occasional and does not disrupt daily life.