dementia etymology

Etymology

The word "dementia" comes from the Latin word "demens," which means "out of one's mind." The Latin word is derived from the prefix "de-" (meaning "away from") and the root "mens" (meaning "mind").

Meaning

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that is severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. It is often caused by damage to the brain, such as from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or a stroke.

Origin

The term "dementia" was first used in the 16th century to describe mental illness. In the early 19th century, it was used to describe a specific type of mental illness that was characterized by a decline in cognitive function. In the late 19th century, the term was expanded to include any type of decline in cognitive function that was severe enough to interfere with everyday activities.

Today, dementia is a major public health concern. It is estimated that there are over 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to over 152 million.

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