Dementia syndromes in the elderly

Alzheimer's disease is most common, but other diagnoses are possible.

The word dementia is derived from the Latin words de ("out of") and mens ("the mind"), but is now defined as a brain disorder that includes memory loss, deficits in cognition (thinking, planning, and organizing abilities), a decline in emotional control or motivation, and changes in social behavior (such as increased irritability, apathy, or problems interacting with other people).