What is Dementia?

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in general cognitive function and a person's ability to carry out tasks of daily living.

There is impairment of memory, abstract thinking, judgment, verbal fluency and the ability to perform complex tasks. It is associated with behavioural and psychological changes, and impairment of social and physical functioning. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) include psychosis, depression, agitation, aggression and disinhibition in the later stages of the illness.

RACGP Medical care of older persons in residential aged care facilities 4th Edition, pg.26