Forgetfulness

In this feature of Lanka Woman alongside World Alzheimer’s Day falling on the 21st of September 2025 we are shedding some insights on the disease and prevention.

Words: Tishaniya Seneviratne

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a degenerative condition that affects memory, thinking, and communication due to damage to the brain. Over time, it can also lead to changes in mood, personality, and behavior. It is not a specific disease but a general term for various disorders that cause cognitive decline. For a person to be diagnosed with dementia, at least two core brain functions must be significantly affected. These include memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, problems with concentration, impaired judgment, or trouble understanding the surrounding environment.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 to 80 percent of cases. It develops slowly over several years, and one of the earliest signs is difficulty with short-term memory, such as forgetting why you entered a room or who visited the day before. Over time, it affects reasoning, language, and daily functioning. More women are likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men, and while there is currently no cure, early detection can help improve the quality of life of the person with dementia, manage symptoms better and it also helps the person and the family to learn more about the disease and make plans for the future.

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