Dementia | Conditions & Treatments

What is Dementia?

There are many causes of dementia. Some causes of dementia may be reversible, while others lead to a slow decrease of cognitive function and are not curable.

While memory loss is a common symptom, memory loss by itself doesn’t mean that a person has dementia. Doctors diagnose dementia only if two or more brain functions, such as memory and language skills, are significantly affected.

Types of Dementia

The following conditions are common causes of dementia:

Alzheimer's Disease
Vascular dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Parkinson’s disease dementia
Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE)
Frontotemporal lobar degenerations
Primary progressive aphasias
Huntington’s disease
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

As people age, it is common to have more than one cause of dementia, called mixed dementia.

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Navigating Memory and Cognitive Health: A Guide for Families Facing Dementia

When families gather, it can be a chance to notice changes in aging loved ones, including potential memory issues. While some cognitive decline—such as occasional word-finding difficulties or minor memory lapses—is a normal part of aging, the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are much different.

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UR Medicine's Treatments for Dementias

Because there are many different causes of dementia, it is important to have memory concerns evaluated.

Our team includes behavioral neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, family and marriage therapists, neuropalliative care providers, neurogeneticists and social workers. We work collaboratively to offer our patients the most up-to-date treatment options in a supportive environment.

Treatment will depend on the cause of dementia and may include medications and lifestyle modifications. Many people with dementia may also benefit from mental activities that help improve brain functioning, such as using memory aids.

People with moderate or advanced dementia typically need round-the-clock care and supervision to prevent them from harming themselves or others. They also may need assistance with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing.

Video: The University of Rochester Medical Center has opened the doors on a unique, innovative, and multidisciplinary memory care clinic that provides comprehensive evaluation, care, and support for people and families coping with Alzheimer's disease and other causes of progressive memory loss.

What Sets Us Apart?

We offer the most complete and advanced care in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region for people suffering from dementia.

Most importantly, we establish relationships with our patients. We treat you as a person, not a disease. We listen to you, communicate with you, and take the time to understand how your illness imposes on your life. Understanding your needs, values, and priorities is part of how we provide care.