Dementia

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by impaired cognitive processes of attention, memory, thinking, and decision making.

Dementia is caused by various diseases. One common disease is Alzheimer's disease. Other types of dementia include:

Vascular dementia

Lewy body dementia,

Fronto-temporal dementia

Mixed dementia

Dementia is most commonly observed in older adults but it is not a part of normal aging.

Assessment of Dementia

Clinical neuropsychologists evaluate a patient's cognitive abilities for impairments. In addition, clinical neuropsychologists assess adaptive functioning. That is, how well the person manages vocational, social, and other dimensions of life. Dementia affects people in different ways. Although memory and thinking processes are hallmarks of the dementias, changes in personality patterns and emotional functioning combine to interfere with personal and social functioning.

Physicians may perform medical tests and prescribe medication. Often, there are other medical conditions to consider as a part of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.

The data not only identify a patient's current status but the data also provides a baseline to measure future changes in cognitive and adaptive abilities. Although, in cases of an identifiable disease process, the future is usually a decline in functioning, some causes of dementia may be reversible. In addition, new medications may reduce the rate of decline.

Resources

CDC Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.