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Can onset of dementia be rapid? Understanding fast-progressing cognitive decline

While most forms of dementia, like Alzheimer's disease, develop slowly over many years, a sudden and rapid decline in cognitive abilities is possible, albeit rare. When a person experiences a fast-developing loss of memory, thinking, and reasoning, it may be due to a specific condition known as rapidly progressive dementia (RPD). Recognizing the difference between typical gradual decline and a rapid onset is crucial for proper diagnosis and potential treatment.