Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dementia

Dementia, an umbrella term for widespread cognitive decline that causes disability, affects 55 million people worldwide and is expected to reach 131 million by 2050. The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD), which includes dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) as well as dementia due to Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia (VaD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this chapter, we present the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia like depression, disinhibition, and apathy, focusing particularly on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neurocognitive aspects of dementia will be thoroughly and comprehensively discussed in the subsequent chapters. Our emphasis lies on providing a comprehensive understanding of these symptoms, highlighting their impact on individuals at different stages of dementia. Our aim is to discuss the approach for early and accurate diagnosis of dementia, revolving particularly around Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We delve into the nuanced aspects of diagnostic procedures, providing a comprehensive understanding essential for timely identification.