Many people are confused by the term 'dementia'. A common question is: 

Probably then the easiest way to explain dementia is that it is not a disease itself, but results from diseases, brain injuries or genetic defects. It is what is known as a non-specific illness syndrome, because by its nature it is not a particular illness but a is diagnosed when certain symptoms, behaviors and signs are recognised in the patient.

As these signs, symptoms and behaviors are caused by problems in the brain, and can affect thinking, it is also often referred to as 'cognitive dementia'.

Memory, problem solving, attention and language difficulties are often common indicators of dementia.

There are many different ways to differentiate between dementias, by age, by the areas of the brain it effects, and by cause for example, and these classifications can overlap so it can all be quite confusing. 

Classification by Area of the Brain: Dementia can affect different parts of the brain and thus dementia symptoms can manifest in different ways as each part of the brain controls different bodily and mental functions.

View this video to learn more about brain anatomy and the functions of the brain:

An example of classifying dementia with regards to the area of the brain affected is frontotemporal dementia). An example of  classifying dementia  with regards to cause is Korsakoff's Syndrome - Alcohol related dementia. An example of classifying dementia with regards to age, is Young Onset Dementia.