Dementia is a term used to describe changes in memory, language, thinking, and social skills that result when certain brain regions stop working properly. The changes are severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life and activities. While dementia affects millions of people and is more common as people grow older, it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live long lives without any signs of dementia.
After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it can help to learn about the condition, build a support system, and communicate openly about future plans. Caregivers should find ways to practice self-care. Taking these steps early helps manage dementia effectively and maintain quality of life.
Dementia has many forms, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the most common. Symptoms can include memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty with communication.
Support and strategies can empower individuals living with dementia to manage declining abilities and changing behaviors.
Clinical trials evaluate treatments for safety and effectiveness, while observational studies aim to deepen knowledge about specific diseases.
Your support for the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center directly enhances our ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families through a multidisciplinary team of experts. Insurance and patient fees cover only a portion of the cost for this personalized treatment. Learn how your gift can help make the Bay Area—and the world—healthier for all.
The National Institute on Aging funds 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers at leading medical and academic institutions across the US.
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) aims to reduce the impact of dementia worldwide by fostering leadership in science, the arts, and health policy.
The UCSF Fein Memory and Aging Center integrates research on complex brain functions, including creativity and the arts, to better understand memory and aging.
The UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center is dedicated to training future leaders in neurology, neuroscience, and brain health.