Patient History: Assessment of Dementia

Memory loss

While its normal to occasionally forget appointments, names or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later

Difficulty performing familiar tasks

For example, steps for preparing a meal, using a household appliance, participating in a lifelong hobby

Problems with language

Forgets simple words or substitutes unusual words, making his or her speech or writing hard to understand.

Disorientation to time and place

For example, getting lost on their own street, forgetting where they are and how they got there, and not knowing how to get back home.

Poor or decreased judgment.

Individuals with dementia often show poor judgment about money.

Problems with abstract thinking

For example, difficulty balancing a check-book

Misplacing things

Such as putting things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a watch in the sugar bowl.

Changes in mood or behaviour

Such as, rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.

Changes in personality

For example, being suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family member

Loss of initiative

For example, being uncharacteristically passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or not wanting to do usual activities.