Pronunciation: [bɪkˌe͡ɪm dɪmˈɛntɪd] (IPA) 
The word "became demented" is spelled /bɪˈkeɪm dɪˈmɛntɪd/. The first syllable "be-" is pronounced as /bɪ/. The second syllable "-came" is pronounced as /keɪm/. The third syllable "de-" is pronounced as /dɪ/, and the fourth syllable "-men-" is pronounced as /mɛn/. Lastly, the fifth syllable "-ted" is pronounced as /tɪd/. This word implies the occurrence of a sudden change in one's mental state or behavior.
The phrase "became demented" refers to the process of developing a condition known as dementia. Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. This progressive condition commonly affects older adults and is primarily caused by various diseases or injuries that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or Parkinson's disease.
When someone "became demented," it suggests that they have undergone a significant change in their cognitive abilities, often resulting in a loss of memory, confusion, difficulty in problem-solving, disorientation, and changes in behavior. Such individuals may struggle to recognize familiar people or places, have problems communicating or finding the right words, experience mood swings or personality changes, and have difficulty completing simple tasks.
It is important to note that becoming demented is not a normal part of aging but rather a pathological condition. Dementia can have a profound impact on both individuals and their caregivers, as it gradually impairs the affected person's ability to function independently and may lead to increased dependence on others for daily care.
Due to the complex nature of dementia, medical professionals and researchers continually strive to enhance our understanding of its causes, diagnostics, and potential treatments. Various support systems, including medication, therapy, and caregiver assistance, are available to help manage the challenges associated with dementia and maximize the individual's quality of life.
The etymology of the expression "became demented" can be understood by breaking it down into its individual components:
1. "Became": It is the past tense of the verb "become", which originated from the Old English word "becuman" meaning "come about, happen". This word can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bikwemanan", which meant "to come or go".
2. "Demented": It is an adjective that describes the state of being mentally deranged or insane. The word "demented" originated from the Latin word "dementis", which means "out of one's mind" or "insane". The Latin term is a combination of "de-" (meaning "out of" or "away from") and "mens" (meaning "mind").
