Dementia

Dementia is mental condition that is caused by a physical breakdown of brain functioning that leads to confusion and severe decline of intellectual functioning. Described as a syndrome, rather than specific disease process, it is a collection of symptoms that is most commonly seen in the elderly and shows up as a physical and intellectual decline that is in excess of the normal mental decline that is part of aging.

This type of decline effects memory (especially short-term memory), problem-solving, attention span and language skills. Although commonly known as senility, dementia is commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, but is often mimicked by other old-age problems such as depression or overmedication.