Review of dementia.

Elderly persons are at increased risk for developing dementia, and this risk increases with age. It is important to understand the following points: (a). how to diagnose dementia; (b). the etiology of the most common dementias (including Alzheimer s disease, ischemic vascular dementia, and diffuse Lewy body dementia); (c). some medical conditions which could contribute to symptoms of dementia; (d). the pathophysiology of Alzheimer s disease; and (e). management problems faced by caregivers for dementia patients. This review aims to educate clinicians to focus on caregivers issues and the need for long-term planning.