Definition of Dementia

Dementia is a broad term that describes a loss of thinking ability, memory, attention, logical reasoning and yet other mental functions. According to an earlier version of a resource (DSM-5) physicians used to code the diversity of mental illnesses dementia is defined as a major neurocognitive disorder in which a deficit in cognitive function is acquired rather than developmental.

A developmental disorder is recognized as a “severe” disability, chronic in nature, and associated with mental or physical impairment by age 22, resulting in limitations in three or more areas of life activity. An example is Down syndrome. Another is fetal alcohol syndrome. However, this definition is admittedly artificial in nature, partly because an AD like dementia may be associated with Down syndrome and other such disorders. Nonetheless, the neuropathology of dementia in developmental disorders will not presently be further addressed.