Translation guide
A general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 認知症 (にんちしょう), which has replaced older, now-offensive terms like 痴呆 (ちほう).
The standard, neutral way to refer to dementia in medical and everyday contexts.
The standard modern term for dementia. Used in medical settings, news, and daily conversation. It is neutral and respectful.
My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.
Learn about dementia prevention.
An older term for dementia, now considered derogatory and offensive. Avoid using it; it has been officially replaced by 認知症. You may encounter it in older texts.
This term is now considered derogatory. Use 認知症 instead.
It used to be called dementia (using the old term).
Referring to particular forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.
Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Often shortened to アルツハイマー病 or simply アルツハイマー.
My father has Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia, affecting personality and language.
Describing symptoms or conditions associated with dementia.
Terms related to caring for someone with dementia.
The term 痴呆 was historically used for dementia but is now considered derogatory and has been officially replaced by 認知症 in medical and public contexts. Using 痴呆 may cause offense.
When discussing dementia in Japanese, it's common to use the term 認知症 directly. Euphemisms are not typically necessary, but sensitivity is appreciated. Phrases like 認知症の方 (person with dementia) are respectful.
Vascular dementia can occur after a stroke.
Dementia with Lewy bodies, characterized by fluctuations in alertness and visual hallucinations.
Visual hallucinations are common in dementia with Lewy bodies.
Frontotemporal dementia can cause personality changes.
Memory impairment, a clinical term for memory loss.
Memory impairment appears as an early symptom of dementia.
Due to disorientation, one loses track of the date.
I took a training course to become a dementia supporter.