Final answer:
Dementia is primarily defined as an impairment of memory and cognitive function, involving symptoms like memory loss and difficulties with tasks and judgment. It is assed via a mental status exam and can be part of a larger pattern of cognitive deficits, such as those seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dementia is defined as a serious impairment of c) Memory and cognitive function. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty with planning and executing tasks, poor judgment, and sometimes personality changes. While there are physical symptoms that can accompany dementia, such as slowed movements and speech changes, the core issue of dementia is related to cognitive disruption. Alzheimer's disease is a common type of dementia, and with increasing damage to the brain, individuals may experience severe cognitive deficits, including memory loss and an inability to recognize family members or carry out daily activities.
During an assessment of cerebral functions through a mental status exam, cognitive abilities are categorized into four groups: orientation and memory, language and speech, sensorium, and judgment and abstract reasoning. These assessments help identify the severity and type of cognitive impairment a person has.