Dementia

Dementia is a chronic, progressive syndrome defined by cognitive decline sufficient to impair daily functioning, often accompanied by behavioral and psychological symptoms. Etiologies include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular pathology, Lewy body disease, and frontotemporal degeneration. Pathophysiology depends on underlying etiology, commonly involving neurodegeneration, protein aggregation, synaptic loss, and cerebrovascular compromise. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis. Management is primarily symptomatic, including cognitive enhancers, behavioral interventions, and caregiver support; prognosis is progressive, with life expectancy varying by cause and severity.