Etiological Classification and Epidemiology of Dementia

ABSTRACT

Etiological classification of a syndrome is most warranted. However, it is very difficult in the case of dementia because many research activities are still being made about the cause of degenerative dementias. In the current paper, clinical aspects and pathological findings were also con-sidered in the etiological classification. Prevalence and annual incidence of dementia are 5-15% and 1.5-2.0% in the elderly over 65, respectively. Old age, female sex, genetic background, lower education, ethnicity or geographical difference, and head trauma seem to be risk factors for developing dementia. Urinary and fecal incontinece, extrapyramidal symptoms, primitive reflexes, psychotic symptoms, and cognitive decline seem to adversely affect on the mortality, while social class, age at onset, depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior, wandering, increased appetite, increased sexual behaviors, and early diagnosis do not.