When people hear the word “dementia,” they often assume it is a diagnosis in itself, something a person has or is given after a medical evaluation. But this is one of the most common misunderstandings in how we talk about brain function loss. The truth is, dementia is not a diagnosis. It is a term that describes a collection of symptoms caused by underlying medical conditions, and recognizing that distinction is vital to providing meaningful support.
Why Language Matters
When someone is told they “have dementia,” it can feel like a definitive label—something fixed, final, and all-encompassing. But this phrasing often overlooks the medical complexity behind what the person is actually experiencing.
Dementia is not a disease itself. It is a syndrome—a word used in medicine to describe a group of related symptoms that affect thinking, memory, communication, movement, and behavior. These symptoms can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, traumatic brain injury, infections, and even side effects from certain medications.
When we say someone is “living with dementia symptoms caused by…” rather than “has dementia,” we begin to acknowledge the medical condition behind the symptoms. This helps shift the conversation from vague labels to actionable understanding and opens the door to better care.
Reframing the Conversation
Using more precise language can help support clarity, compassion, and making more informed decisions.
Saying “dementia symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s disease” helps care partners, families, and even professionals focus on the root cause of the symptoms. That shift can lead to more appropriate treatment strategies, more empathetic care, and better communication among everyone involved in the support network.
It also empowers families to seek education, not just on dementia broadly, but on the specific condition their loved one may be facing. When we know what is happening medically, we can respond with understanding, not fear.
Understanding the Symptoms
The symptoms commonly grouped under the dementia umbrella can include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with visual-spatial tasks
- Changes in judgment or problem-solving
- Emotional changes or personality shifts
- Difficulty with communication or word-finding
- Movement or coordination challenges
Each person’s experience will vary depending on the type of brain function loss and its cause. Two people may share a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease but show very different symptoms. Others may experience fluctuating symptoms if the root cause is a condition like Lewy body dementia or an untreated infection.
Understanding these differences is essential to providing the correct type of support.
Why This Shift Matters for Families and Caregivers
When caregivers and loved ones are told a person “has dementia,” it often leads to a sense of helplessness or vague uncertainty. But when they are educated on the cause of dementia symptoms, they are better equipped to respond.
Families can ask more informed questions, adjust expectations, and find resources tailored to their loved one’s specific needs. Care professionals can craft plans based on the expected progression of the condition. And most importantly, individuals living with brain function loss are seen and supported as whole people, not reduced to a single, misunderstood word.
This shift in language encourages dignity and empathy. It reminds us that dementia symptoms are not the person—they are something the person is experiencing, often with courage and resilience.
Encouraging a More Accurate Public Dialogue
As our communities grow more dementia-aware, we must also grow more precise in how we talk about it. That includes faith leaders, first responders, senior service providers, and neighbors. It also includes journalists, television producers, and health educators.
When public messaging continues to treat dementia as a stand-alone condition, it reinforces confusion. By speaking in terms of “symptoms caused by…” we model the kind of understanding and accuracy that improves care and reduces stigma.
Finding Support
Changing how we talk about dementia is the first step in changing how we think about dementia, and that can lead to more compassionate care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.
If you are navigating dementia symptoms in your personal or professional life, I invite you to explore the resources available on my website. There, you will find access to training sessions, keynote speaking opportunities, and personalized caregiver support tools.
You are also welcome to join our Dementia Lifeboat community, a space where care partners, professionals, and families come together to learn, share, and grow in their understanding of brain function loss.
Let’s work together to reframe the conversation.