Dementia is a syndrome, usually chronic or progressive in nature, that results in deterioration of cognitive function. This goes beyond what is expected of normal aging. This causes changes in what you remember, like appointments or phone numbers. This can cause you to get lost in familiar surroundings, like driving to the grocery store. You may not be able to balance your checkbook or add up your points in a card game. Communication becomes difficult; because you can't find the words you want to say. Your personality may change, you may become paranoid, be grumpy or angry, and you may say or do inappropriate things or laugh when nothing is funny. Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. It’s overwhelming for people with the disease and their caregivers. There is almost always a lack of understanding about dementia, leading to barriers to diagnosis and care. The impact of caring for a person with dementia on families and societies can be physical, psychological, social and economic. Dementia is more common in older people. It was once believed to be part of the normal aging process, called senility; However, scientists know that it is not a normal part of aging and is caused by a number of medical problems that can occur in older and younger people. In some cases, it can be reversed with proper medical treatment, but in others it is permanent and usually gets worse over time. In the United States, approximately 4 to 5 million people suffer from some degree of dementia, and this number continues to increase to this day. “Dementia affects around 1% of people aged 60 to 64 and up to 30 to 50% of people over 85. This is the main reason why older people are placed ... middle of paper ..... tia. (nd). Retrieved March 11, 2014 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs362/en/http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seo/basics/causes/con-20034399Dementia. (nd). Accessed March 19, 2014 from http://www.malehealth.co.uk/node/18813Dementia-Treatment Overview. (nd). Accessed March 13, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/tc/dementia-treatment-overviewLiving with dementia magazine, April 2009. (nd). Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=917Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape. (nd). Retrieved March 12, 2014 from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dementia_overview/article_em.htmThe Outlook for Dementia. (nd). Retrieved March 14, 2014 from http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/service-users-and-carers/useful-information/about-mental-health/dementia/outlook/