Classification and diagnosis of dementia: a mechanism-based approach
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, vol.16, no.2, pp.168-173, 2009 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 16 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2009
- Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02379.x
- Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.168-173
- Istanbul University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Dementia is an acquired disorder of the brain, designating an impairment of established mental functions due to various aetiologies, representing a decline from pre-morbid level which is severe enough to impair normal daily functioning. Classification of dementias is commonly based on individual aetiological categories, more recently molecular-pathological classifications have been proposed for degenerative dementias. This article is an attempt to provide a comprehensive, yet simplified classification of dementias following a mechanism-based approach. A systematic approach to diagnostic work-up is also proposed based on this classification.