Final answer:
Dementia is a loss of mental abilities that encompass a decline in memory and cognitive function, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common type. It significantly affects society economically and emotionally, with care and hospice services playing a vital role in managing the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dementia is a loss of mental abilities significant enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses various symptoms associated with declined memory or other thinking skills. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60-80% of cases. The risk increases as people age, with approximately one in every eight individuals aged 65 or older being affected by Alzheimer's. Notably, medical researcher Solomon Carter Fuller was a pioneer in studying this disease. Payments for care of dementia patients are substantial, indicating a significant societal and economic impact. Additionally, the role of hospice care becomes influential in cases of terminal illnesses, where the emphasis shifts from cure to comfort, acknowledging the end-of-life stage with dignity and peace in a comfortable setting.