Dementia can be defined as memory impairment plus one of the following: Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia.

Dementia can be defined as memory impairment plus one of the following: Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia.

• A. Aphasia
• B. Apraxia
• C. Agnosia
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Memory impairment with an additional impairment in another cognitive domain defines dementia. The extra deficit shows that the decline isn’t limited to memory but involves broader brain function. Aphasia, a language disturbance, is a classic example of this nonmemory impairment and demonstrates how dementia affects communication as well as memory. This combination—memory problems plus a language deficit—captures the typical pattern of progressive cognitive decline seen in dementia. While apraxia (difficulty with planned movements) or agnosia (inability to recognize objects) can also appear in dementia, aphasia is a clear and commonly tested illustration of the additional domain beyond memory. Remember, this distinguishes dementia from a pure memory complaint or from delirium, which is acute and fluctuating rather than a gradual, chronic decline.

Memory impairment with an additional impairment in another cognitive domain defines dementia. The extra deficit shows that the decline isn’t limited to memory but involves broader brain function. Aphasia, a language disturbance, is a classic example of this nonmemory impairment and demonstrates how dementia affects communication as well as memory. This combination—memory problems plus a language deficit—captures the typical pattern of progressive cognitive decline seen in dementia. While apraxia (difficulty with planned movements) or agnosia (inability to recognize objects) can also appear in dementia, aphasia is a clear and commonly tested illustration of the additional domain beyond memory. Remember, this distinguishes dementia from a pure memory complaint or from delirium, which is acute and fluctuating rather than a gradual, chronic decline.