In recent news, veteran actor Gene Hackman tragically passed away, highlighting how having Alzheimer’s disease could have contributed to his death. Another actor, Bruce Willis, was also diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023.

These two conditions are types of dementia, which involves a decline in cognition — the mental processes that help us remember, learn new things, communicate, make decisions, solve problems and interact socially. Dementia can disrupt a person’s entire way of thinking and functioning, impacting relationships, independence and overall quality of life.

Dementia is not a single disease but a group of symptoms caused by various conditions affecting the brain. Dementia occurs when brain cells are damaged, affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is more common in older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging.

There are different types of dementia:

Alzheimer’s disease — The most common type, accounting for 60-80 percent of cases. It is caused by abnormal protein buildup in the brain that leads to nerve cell death.

Vascular dementia — Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or due to high blood pressure.

Lewy body dementia — Characterized by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in brain cells, leading to changes in thinking, movement, and behavior.

Frontotemporal dementia – Affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to personality changes, difficulty speaking, and poor decision-making.

The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the type and stage but generally include:

Early symptoms

• Memory loss, especially recent events

• Difficulty finding the right words

• Trouble planning or solving problems

• Getting lost in familiar places

• Personality changes (e.g., mood swings, withdrawal)

Mid-stage symptoms

• Increasing confusion and forgetfulness

• Difficulty recognizing family members

• Trouble managing finances or daily tasks

• Sleep disturbances and mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety)

• Hallucinations or delusions