Vonir's Touch
The name for what we know in the real world as Dementia. The people of Erilar believe that Vonir, the god of destruction, has touched the minds of the afflicted people, causing them to loose their memories, and eventually pass away.
Causes
Several underlying diseases can cause Vonir's Touch, some can be reversed, but some are acute and can not be cured.
Symptoms
Memory loss, lack of lucidity, diminishing cognitive ability.
Treatment
Powerful healing magic can reverse some of the damage, but it seems that once someone has been touched, the touch is with them for the rest of their days.
Prognosis
While most, if not all cases prove to be fatal, there are ways to slow down and partially reverse some of the symptoms. However, once someone has been touched, the general consensus is to prepare the afflicted person for their death and to make their last few months, weeks and days as comfortable as possible.
Affected Groups
Usually the elderly, but it can afflict younger people too
Prevention
living an active life as a person ages has been known to help prevent being touched by Vonir, but that has not been proven to be 100% effective as some active elders can often be afflicted.
Epidemiology
Luckily, Vonir's touch is not contagious and can not spread from person to person. However it is generally believed by the public that it is, usually keeping people away from an afflicted person.
Cultural Reception
Some people may believe that the touch is contagious, although it is not, causing them to keep their distance from the afflicted, possibly shunning them.
In Orcish communities, any orcs that live old enough to be afflicted are either sent out in the early stages to find a way to die in battle, or a member of their clan will execute them, to put them out of their misery and appease Vonir
Type
Neurological
Affected Species
