Arcane Dementia

Magic is the unknown and unknowable. People are unsure if the word Arcane came about in reference to the nature of magic, or vice versa. While some races and species have a natural affinity for magic, others have to work to tap into it. Mankind requires the most effort to truly untap their potential, needing years of specialized education and training to tap into the arcane.
It is not uncommon for different species to begin to lose their senses as they age, to various degrees.
This creates a very dangerous intersection.
If a powerful mage begins to suffer from dementia as they grow into their years, they will still have their arcane potential without the knowledge of how they got these skills. This can amplify their magic to a terrifying degree.
Combining this amplification of power with degrading mental faculties, it is not uncommon for an ailing mage to become a hazard to themselves and others.

Causes

This only affects persons who have to study and learn to unlock their arcane potential.
The onset of dementia causes mages to forget learning their art. This purifies the arcane nature of their magic and amplifies its power.

Symptoms

As this is the result of dementia in a specific demographic, the symptoms are the same as one would expect in any other dementia patient:

• memory problems, particularly remembering recent events. increasing confusion. reduced concentration. personality or behaviour changes. apathy and withdrawal or depression. loss of ability to do everyday tasks.

Treatment

No known treatment.
It is not uncommon for some organizations to euthanize members who begin to exhibit signs of dementia before they can become a threat.

Prevention

Live an active lifestyle and keep oneself mentally stimulated.

Cultural Reception

This is perhaps one of the more feared conditions in the magical community due to its insidious nature. It can turn someone who is a beloved and cared for figure and turn them into a threat to the entire community through no fault of their own. Dementia affects individuals to varying degrees seemingly at random. Some maintain their faculties for their entire life. Others have it set on at a comparably young age.
The standard practice of some arcane communities to euthanize their elderly members when they begin to exhibit symptoms has received some outrage from other communities. Some believe the elderly should be revered and cared for, and believe that euthanizing the elderly is immoral. Others believe the practice is enacted too judiciously, and that there are some who are euthanized should not be.

Type

Supernatural

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Rare