How Do You Spell PRIMARY DEMENTIA?

1. Primary dementia refers to a type of dementia that arises as a result of degenerative brain changes or damage, which are not caused by any other identified medical condition or external factor. It is typically characterized by progressive and irreversible cognitive decline in multiple domains, such as memory, thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

   Primary dementia is distinct from secondary dementia, which is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or cerebral vascular disease. With primary dementia, the cognitive decline is not a secondary consequence of these conditions, but rather, stems directly from the brain changes themselves.

   Common types of primary dementia include Alzheimer's disease, which is the most prevalent form, as well as other less common forms like frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. Each type may have distinct features and patterns of cognitive impairment, as well as accompanying symptoms.

   The diagnosis of primary dementia relies on comprehensive assessment, including medical history review, cognitive testing, neurological examinations, and sometimes brain imaging scans. Although primary dementia is typically irreversible, treatments and interventions aimed at managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing support to both the individuals diagnosed with the condition and their caregivers are available.

   Overall, primary dementia refers to a progressive and irreversible decline in cognitive functioning that is not due to any other identified medical condition, and it is distinguished from secondary dementia by the absence of an underlying cause.

2. Amentia, a form of acute d. occurring usually in the young, and often of favorable prognosis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PRIMARY DEMENTIA

The etymology of the term "primary dementia" can be understood by examining the origins of its two constituent words:

1. Primary: The word "primary" comes from the Latin word "primarius", which means "first" or "chief". It is derived from the Latin word "primus", meaning "first". Over time, it entered Middle English as "primary", which is used to indicate something that is first in order, importance, or value. In the medical context, "primary" refers to a condition or disease that is not secondary to any other identifiable cause.

2. Dementia: The word "dementia" comes from the Latin term "dementia", which literally means "madness" or "insanity". It is a combination of "de-", meaning "apart", and "mens", meaning "mind".