Dementia is a general term for memory loss and an impaired ability to think, problem solve, make decisions, and communicate. The symptoms are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. Different conditions can cause dementia. The most common type is Alzheimer's disease.

Is dementia a hereditary disease?

In most cases, a person does not inherit dementia. However, some research has identified genetic variants that may increase a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease. This includes the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, which helps make a protein that carries cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream. More research into possible genetic risk factors for dementia is necessary to understand the potential link.

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

Dementia describes a set of symptoms such as loss of memory and impaired thinking. These symptoms can develop due to a range of progressive conditions. Alzheimer's disease is one of these conditions and the most common cause of dementia symptoms.

Can dementia be cured?

There is currently no cure for dementia. However, early diagnosis and treatment may help to slow down progression.

Discover Top Dementia Doctors in Shawnee Mission, KS

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Dr. Ryan Townley, MD

Dr. David Clark, MD

Dr. Kazi Syed, MD

Dr. Rawan Albadareen, MD

Dr. Christopher Janson, MD

Dr. John Seeley, MD

Dr. Stacy Younger, MD

Dr. John Eatman, MD

Dr. Cynthia Costa, MD

Dr. Jeffrey Burns, MD

Dr. Ka Au, MD

Dr. Arpan Patel, MD

Dr. Daniel Llano, MD

Dr. Deetra Ford, MD

Dr. James Southwell, DO

Dr. Arthur Allen II, MD

Dr. Mitchell Kaufman, MD

Dr. Dalwyn Sealy, MD

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, MD

Dr. Karin Olds, MD

Dr. Parveen Kumar, MD

Dr. Sunita Muranjan, MD

Dr. Larry Hollenbeck, MD

Dr. Cynthia Ward, DO

Dr. Janet Dunn, MD

Dr. Philip Khoury, MD

Dr. Brian Cravanas, Jr. Jr, MD

Dr. Jay Robinson, MD

Dr. Rosalyn Miles, MD

Dr. Ernesto Alonso, MD

Dr. Steven Segraves, MD

Dr. Robert Jensen, MD

Dr. Michael Vesali, MD

Dr. Noushin Ansari, MD

Dr. Jay Banister III, MD

Dr. Nakita Stephens, MD

Dr. Michael Schwartzman, DO

Dr. Karl Knights, MD

Dr. P Becky Anprasertporn, MD

Dr. Fenglin Shi, MD

Dr. Andrew Kerstein, DO

Dr. Russell Swerdlow, MD

Dr. Joseph Pleen, DO

Dr. Nathaniel Wachter, MD

Dr. Rakesh Vardey, MD

Dr. Danielle Craig, MD

Dr. Vibhash Sharma, MD

Dr. Elbert Tillerson Jr, MD

Dr. Muhammad Rahman, MD

Dr. Shannon Kohake, MD

Dr. Alan Anderson, DO

Dr. Laura Reilly, MD

Dr. Jennifer Liebenthal, MD

Dr. Alexander Fong, MD

Dr. Wade Hachinsky, DO

Dr. Krishna Divadeenam, MD

Dr. Kyle Carpenter, DO

Dr. Sarah Hon, DO

Dr. Anthony Bianchi, DO

Dr. Mark-Victor Siwoski, MD

Dr. Radha Vallabhaneni, MD

Dr. Shahbaz Khan, MD

Dementia: Frequently Asked Questions

Is dementia a hereditary disease? Chevron Icon

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Chevron Icon

Can dementia be cured? Chevron Icon

Is dementia a hereditary disease?

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

Can dementia be cured?