Symptoms of dementia

Symptoms of dementia usually develop gradually and are often progressive. In the case of a brain injury or infection they may develop suddenly and may be relatively stable.

The general symptoms of dementia are:

•    Short-term memory loss
•    Changes in personality
•    Inability to perform and complete everyday activities
•    Confusion
•    Impaired judgment
•    Getting lost in familiar places
•    Paranoia or suspicion of others
•    Strange behaviour, deterioration of mood.

Reviewed by Dr Duncan Ian Rodseth, MB Bch MMed (psych). Consultant Psychiatrist in private practice, Parktown Johannesburg. March 2015