Symptoms of dementia usually develop gradually and are often progressive. In the case of a brain injury or infection they may develop suddenly and may be relatively stable.
The general symptoms of dementia are:
• Short-term memory loss
• Changes in personality
• Inability to perform and complete everyday activities
• Confusion
• Impaired judgment
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Paranoia or suspicion of others
• Strange behaviour, deterioration of mood.
Reviewed by Dr Duncan Ian Rodseth, MB Bch MMed (psych). Consultant Psychiatrist in private practice, Parktown Johannesburg. March 2015