This section contains 2,298 words (approx. 8 pages at 300 words per page) |
The term dementia describes a decline of previously acquired intellectual, or cognitive, skills. Memory loss is the primary symptom of dementia, but other cognitive symptoms exist as well. A diagnosis of dementia requires an impairment in memory and at least one other cognitive domain (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). This can include an impairment in comprehending or expressing language, sustaining attention, orientation (knowing where one is and the date and time), visual perception, visual construction, or executive (planning and organizing) skills. In addition to cognitive deficits, dementia is often associated with behavioral and/or psychiatric changes such as poor judgment (for example, spending money recklessly or dressing inappropriately), delusions (false beliefs), or hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not actually there). Disinhibition, exemplified by the use of inappropriate language (i.e., swearing), the telling of off-color jokes, or acting overly familiar with others, can also occur. Mood symptoms...
This section contains 2,298 words (approx. 8 pages at 300 words per page) |