What is Dementia?
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.
Next Steps after a Dementia Diagnosis
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.
There are many different types of dementia, but the most common is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Symptoms may include memory problems, mood changes, or difficulty speaking.
Finding support and developing strategies to help with declining skills and changing behaviors can help people living with dementia.
Clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of treatments. The goal of observational research is to learn more about a particular disease.
How You Can Help
Your contribution to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center directly enables us to offer the highest quality of compassionate clinical care for patients and family members seen by a multidisciplinary team of experts. Insurance and patient fees cover only a fraction of the cost for this personalized treatment. Find out how your gift will help to make the Bay Area – and the world – healthier for all.
Partners & Programs
The NIA funds 35 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers at major medical and academic institutions across the United States.
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) works to reduce the scale and impact of dementia.
An integral component of the Memory and Aging Center’s research mission is to understand various complex functions of the brain, such as the creative mind.
The UCSF Memory and Aging Center is committed to training the future leaders neurology, neuroscience and brain health.
