Dementia and abnormalities of cognition

Abstract

Dementia refers to a progressive impairment involving multiple spheres of cognition sufficient to prevent the normal accomplishment of standard activities of daily living such as dressing, cooking a meal, or balancing a checkbook. Less severe impairment that does not result in a loss of ability to perform normal activities of daily living is often termed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although there may be a mild decline in cognitive function that occurs with normal aging, this would not be expected to lead to serious functional disability.