• Dementia is a broad term, like arthritis, that describes a spectrum of disorders that physically alter the brain and its workings. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. In all its forms, dementia produces a decline in memory or an impact on speech, movement and behavior that has a profound impact on daily life−like not being able to find your way home.
• Diagnosis of dementia has been largely limited to a broad evaluation of changes in memory, behavior, motor skills, language use and visual processing. Dementia can begin in different areas of the brain, so early symptoms may vary. Stanford researchers are developing new technologies to spot microscopic changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's. Also in development are tests to identify certain blood proteins that might serve as another early alert to dementia.
• Dementia's causes are varied, although still not thoroughly defined. In Alzheimer's, two proteins in the brain accumulate and interfere with normal function. Dementia can appear after a stroke. Other, treatable causes of dementia include Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, alcoholism, substance abuse and infections.
• Age is the most significant risk factor for dementia. Other risk factors include prior head trauma, coronary artery disease, genetics and family history.
• Occasionally forgetting something is normal, like the name of a movie you saw two weeks ago. If that memory problem expands or worsens over time, consult your doctor.
• Preventing dementia is a developing field. A healthy diet and regular activity, including aerobic exercise, may help prevent or slow dementia. So do new intellectual or social experiences−whether reading, solving puzzles or going out with friends. "The important goal is to get out of the armchair," Kerchner said.

For more information about dementia, support groups, classes and other resources:

Center for Memory Disorders
(Phone: 650.723.6469)