dementia

Everyday

An illness of the brain, most often in old people, that slowly makes it hard to remember things, think clearly, find words and look after yourself. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and lessons about older people, a grandparent with dementia may forget names, repeat questions or get confused about time and place. It is not their fault and not catching. Children can help by being patient, speaking calmly and kindly, looking at old photos together and not arguing. Alzheimer's disease is the most common kind. Phrases: «living with dementia», «a person with dementia».

Examples

• Grandpa has dementia, so he sometimes forgets my name. tree →
• Dementia is an illness, not just being forgetful. tree →
• Be patient if someone with dementia asks the same question again. tree →
• Looking at old photos can help a person with dementia feel happy. tree →
• Dementia cannot be caught from another person. tree →
• Doctors and carers help people living with dementia. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «dementia», not «a dementia». Myth: dementia is not a normal part of getting old; most old people do not have it. Everyone forgets things sometimes; that is not dementia. Say «a person with dementia» rather than unkind words.