Which statement best defines dementia?

Which statement best defines dementia?

• A. An acute loss of consciousness due to brain injury.
• B. A chronic dysfunction of memory and/or function that develops over time.
• C. A temporary decline in cognitive function due to sleep deprivation.
• D. A reversible mood disorder with cognitive symptoms.

Answer: (D)

Dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function, especially memory, that develops over months to years and interferes with daily activities. This enduring deterioration distinguishes it from acute or reversible states. It’s not an acute loss of consciousness from brain injury, not a temporary decline from sleep deprivation, and not a reversible mood disorder with cognitive symptoms. The defining idea is that the impairment is gradual, persistent, and affects multiple cognitive domains along with daily functioning.

Dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function, especially memory, that develops over months to years and interferes with daily activities. This enduring deterioration distinguishes it from acute or reversible states. It’s not an acute loss of consciousness from brain injury, not a temporary decline from sleep deprivation, and not a reversible mood disorder with cognitive symptoms. The defining idea is that the impairment is gradual, persistent, and affects multiple cognitive domains along with daily functioning.