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Previous Volume 335:330-336 August 1, 1996 Number 5 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Dementia is the clinical syndrome characterized by acquired losses of cognitive and emotional abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and the quality of life. The term does not imply a specific cause or pathologic process. More than 55 illnesses, some nonprogressive, can cause dementia.¹ It occurs primarily late in life; the prevalence is about 1 percent at the age of 60 years and doubles every five years, to reach 30 to 50 percent by the age of 85.^2,3

Because all types of dementia are treatable, at least with psychosocial interventions, accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the appropriate . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Clinical Approach

Clinical Features of Common Types of Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease

            Cognitive Decline

            Noncognitive Symptoms

            Changes in the Neurologic Status

Vascular Dementia

Pick's Disease and Dementia of the Frontal-Lobe Type

Dementia with Parkinsonism

Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease

Hydrocephalus

Differential Diagnosis and Initial Management

Conclusions

Source Information

From the University Alzheimer Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and the Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Geldmacher at 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120.

References

Related Letters:

Evaluation of Suspected Dementia
Roses A. D., Saunders A. M., Charness M. E., Rubinstein M., Denays R., Collier A., Vanneste J., Lazzara E. W., Whitehouse P. J., Geldmacher D. S.
Extract | Full Text  
N Engl J Med 1996; 335:1996-1998, Dec 26, 1996. Correspondence

Megaloblastosis
Carr J. M., Raya J. M., Lowenthal M. N., Moll S.
Extract | Full Text  
N Engl J Med 1996; 335:2000-2001, Dec 26, 1996. Correspondence

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