dementia

noun

di-ˈmen(t)-shə How to pronounce dementia (audio)
Definition of dementianext
as in schizophrenia
a serious mental disorder that prevents one from living a safe and normal life doctors were able to treat the patient's dementia with drugs and thus allow him to function on his own

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dementia Nearly a year later, his family revealed in a statement that his condition had progressed, leading to a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Willis’ family announced a year later that his condition had progressed into frontotemporal dementia. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 Fannie’s Friends support group: Fannie’s Friends is a virtual support group for adult daughters and granddaughters caring for those living with dementia. — Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 These changes in the brain, particularly the increase in grey matter, suggest that meditation could effectively postpone dementia. — Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dementia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dementia
  1. schizophrenia
  2. insanity
  3. hysteria
  4. madness
  5. instability
Noun
  • Olanzapine is a drug used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The oral drug designed to help treat adults with schizophrenia has the potential to reach peak sales of $10 billion or more annually, according to the analysts.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of schizophrenia
Noun
  • Without it, the dancers might not have known the insanity of their current moment.
    — Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Smith’s attorneys argued that he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity, records show.
    — Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • Echoes of the past During periods of nationalist hysteria, however, overreach is common.
    — Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
  • But while Opus parades as a critique of fame and those who kneel at its altar, Green offers no lasting observations of commodified narcissism, or of fans who get swept into a state of mass hysteria.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of hysteria
Noun
  • So, which teams have a chance to jump in the seedings, and which are concerned with making the road ahead more difficult when the madness begins?
    — Tyler Small, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The madness begins early this week in Nashville when the 2025 SEC Tournament kicks off with a battle between the No. 16 South Carolina Gamecocks and the No. 9 Arkansas Razorbacks.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of madness
Noun
  • His ouster, along with the accompanying instability and popular discontent that lingered after him, helped pave the way for Ansar Allah's advances, ultimately seizing the capital in 2015.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Supporting the development of housing that pairs units with on-site services addressing the root causes of homelessness, including mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and economic instability.
    — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of instability

Browse Nearby Words

dementedness
dementia
demerit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dementia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dementia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dementia

Nglish: Translation of dementia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dementia

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