BASIS: What is it?

Alzheimer’s Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder:

A mental disorder that involves mild to severe impairment in major cognitive functions

The DSM-5, dementia is labeled a “Major Neurocognitive Disorder” or “MND”

Dementia is:

A neurocognitive disorder marked by, usually, chronic, progressive, and irreversible problems in memory and thinking

It is a general term for the decline in mental ability/function

Alzheimer’s is the specific disease that can result in dementia

Dementia typically consists of cognitive deficits in aspects such as:

1. Learning

2. Memory

3. Attention

4. Problem solving

5. Language

6. Recognition

7. Planning

8. Decision making

9. Concentration

10. Judgment

11. Perceptual-Motor ability

    1. Throwing, catching, pouring, buttoning, etc

These deficits:

1. Are chronic and last for long periods of time

2. Develop gradually and slowly over time

3. Show a progressive course, do not fluctuate

4. Are Irreversible; they don’t get better over time