1.
dementia
A syndrome involving decline in memory, thinking, and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. A major concern in aging Japan.
祖母は認知症の初期症状が出てきた。
My grandmother has started showing early symptoms of dementia.
認知症の予防には脳を使うことが大切だ。
Using your brain is important for preventing dementia.
高齢化社会で認知症患者が増えている。
Dementia patients are increasing in an aging society.
認知症の介護は家族にとって大きな負担になる。
Caring for someone with dementia is a great burden on the family.
父が認知症と分かってから、家族みんなで交代しながら世話をしている。
Since we found out my father has dementia, the whole family has been taking turns caring for him.
認知症 is the current standard term for dementia.
Previous term:
痴呆/痴呆症 - now considered discriminatory
Types:
- アルツハイマー型認知症 (Alzheimer's disease)
- 脳血管性認知症 (vascular dementia)
- レビー小体型認知症 (Lewy body dementia)
Common symptoms:
- 物忘れ (forgetfulness)
- 徘徊 (wandering)
- 見当識障害 (disorientation)
Related terms:
- 認知症介護 (dementia care)
- 認知症予防 (dementia prevention)
- グループホーム (group home for dementia patients)
Note:
With Japan's rapidly aging population, 認知症 has become a major social issue. The government has initiatives for "dementia-friendly communities" (認知症にやさしい町づくり).