Dementia refers to a significant intellectual decline or impairment that persists over time (often diagnosed months or even years after its onset) and affects several areas of cognition (thinking). Memory loss is a universal feature of dementia, but other functions are impaired as well--for example, abstract thinking and language.
Approximately 1 percent of dementia cases are reversible. In these instances, people may have a physical or psychological condition, such as a brain tumor or thyroid disease, that can be cured with treatment. The most common cause of reversible dementia is a toxic reaction to prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Red-flag changes in functioning: According to guidelines published by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, a person who has difficulty with one or more of the following activities should be evaluated for dementia.
- Learning and retaining new information. The person regularly misplaces objects, has trouble remembering appointments or recent conversations.
- Handling complex tasks. The person has trouble with previously familiar activities like preparing a meal or balancing a checkbook.
- Ability to reason. The person has trouble responding to everyday problems, such as a flat tire.
- Spatial ability and orientation. Driving and finding one's way in familiar surroundings becomes difficult or impossible.
- Language. The person may have problems following or participating in conversations.
- Behavior. Personality changes emerge. The person may become more passive or suspicious and irritable.
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