άνοια
ánoiafeminine
The Greek word for dementia is άνοια (ánoia).
άνοια is a noun used to describe a progressive decline in cognitive function.
Meaning: progressive decline in cognitive function (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
άνοια is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ánoia.
Did you know?
- The concept of νοῦς in Ancient Greek was not just 'mind' but was believed to be a divine spark or a cosmic force that organized the universe.
- While άνοια is the medical term, Greek speakers often use the phrase χάνει τα λογικά του to describe someone slipping into dementia, meaning they are 'losing their reason'.
- In classical Greek texts, the lack of νοῦς was sometimes attributed to the gods as a form of divine madness rather than a biological disease.
Examples in context
- Η άνοια είναι μια δύσκολη κατάσταση.I anoia ine mia dyskoli katastasi.Dementia is a difficult condition.
- Ο γιατρός εξέτασε τα συμπτώματα της άνοιας.O giatros exetase ta simptomata tis anoias.The doctor examined the symptoms of dementia.
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are discussing a relative's health.
- Κώστας KostasΗ γιαγιά δεν μας αναγνωρίζει πια.I giagia den mas anagnorizei pia.Grandmother doesn't recognize us anymore.
- Μαρία MariaΠιστεύεις ότι έχει άνοια, Κώστα;Pisteueis oti echei anoia, Kosta?Do you think she has dementia, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, το πιστεύω πραγματικά.Nai, to pisteuo pragmatika.Yes, I really believe so.
- Μαρία MariaΠρέπει να δούμε έναν γιατρό.Prepei na doume enan giatro.We should see a doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dementia” translations and entries άνοια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
