Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning.

What is not dementia?

Dementia is not temporary confusion or forgetfulness that might result from a self-limited infection, underlying illness, or side effects of medications. Dementia typically progresses to become worse over time.

How is dementia diagnosed?

In diagnosing dementia a doctor uses certain criteria. Criteria for the diagnosis of dementia include impairment of attention, orientation, memory, judgment, language, motor and spatial skills, and function. (By definition dementia is not due to major depression or schizophrenia.)

How common is dementia?

Dementia is reported in as many as 1% of adults 60 years of age. It has been estimated that the frequency of dementia doubles every five years after 60 years of age.

What are causes of dementia?

There are a number of causes of dementia. In general dementia is more frequent with increasing age. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Among other causes are medical conditions (thyroid disease, drug toxicity, thiamine deficiency with alcoholism, and others), brain injury, strokes, multiple sclerosis, infection of the brain (such as meningitis and syphilis), HIV infection, hydrocephalus, Pick's disease, and brain tumors.

How is dementia evaluated?

Dementia is first evaluated by a doctor who reviews the patient's history and performs a physical examination. Further testing is chosen according to clues from the history and physical. This testing might include blood and urine tests, chest x-ray, brain scanning (MRI or CAT scanning), electroencephalogram (EEG), and spinal fluid analysis by lumbar puncture procedure.

How is dementia treated?

Dementia treatment is directed toward the particular underlying cause. Agitation and other emotional concerns are generally addressed as part of the overall treatment plan.