pproximately one in 10 people over 60 years of age suffers from dementia. In Argentina, given its population pyramid, with many elderly people - there are 4 million people over 60 years of age - the number of patients is high, approximately 400,000. Its evolutionary course is from 6 to 12 years.   Dementia is a condition characterized by a significant loss or deterioration of higher functions, where memory and cognitive abilities are seriously compromised. It occurs in older adults and damages their work, social, family and personal life. Patients, awake and reactive, have, in addition to memory disorders, a compromise in language and the capacity for abstraction. Judgment and reasoning, mathematical calculation and even the chain of movements learned for dressing or walking can be compromised.   It is not a psychological problem. Dementia is an organic problem, there is a clear physical basis. Many neurons and circuits in the brain die, and with them, important information. Archived experiences and memories are lost and skills deteriorate.   In the evaluation, the interrogation - finding out if there was a progressive intellectual decline - and the neurological physical examination are important. Laboratory analysis is to rule out clinical, metabolic or thyroid gland problems. The electroencephalogram and brain mapping will show if there is a disorganization and slowing of the brain's electrical activity.     A clear history of Alzheimer's disease in the family increases the risk of suffering from it. A low level of education or little productive intellectual activity during life is another risk factor. It occurs because neurons degenerate and die as a result of the abnormal deposit of a substance called beta-amyloid and the rupture of the neuron skeleton when the Tau protein is altered.   The disease manifests itself slowly and progressively. Activity (physical, intellectual and social) prevents the disease and improves the symptoms of affected patients. Among hygiene measures, it is important to have a restful sleep and opt for Mediterranean food.   As for treatments, there are drugs that stimulate the availability of acetylcholine and glutamate in memory circuits. Omega 3 acid facilitates the synthesis of neuronal membranes, useful for new neuronal extensions and synapses. Drugs that modify the generation or deposition of toxic β-amyloid and other anti-Tau proteins are also being investigated.