True dementia cannot be reversed and will become worse over time. Symptoms of dementia often go unrecognized. People sometimes assume that dementia is a normal part of aging . Family members also may not want to face the seriousness of the decline of a loved one. Healthcare providers may misdiagnose the condition.
Symptoms can be subtle at first.
However, as more brain cells die, more brain functions are lost, and symptoms become more severe. Short-term memory, or memory of recent events, is particularly affected in individuals with dementia. Dementia is always caused by an underlying disease or condition. Brain tissue is damaged, and functioning is diminished. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease , a progressive brain disorder causing deterioration in memory and thought processes.