99 What questions would you ask an elderly person to check their memory? The clock drawing test is administered to measure attention, planning, and organisation. In this test, patients are asked to draw the face of a clock, put in all the numbers, and set the hands to 10 mns after 11 using paper and a pencil. memory lapse: vuoto di memoria to overlap: sovrapporsi to struggle: lottare DEMENTIA Dementia is a broad term that refers to a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It predominantly affects older adults, with age being the most significant risk factor. As people age, they may experience occasional memory lapses , but dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It involves more profound changes in memory, thinking, reasoning, and behaviour. Types of dementia Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. In many cases, these conditions overlap, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms The symptoms of dementia in older adults vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. In early stages, people may experience subtle memory Vascular dementia Normal blood vessels Blood vessels with dementia 202 ADULtS AnD ELDERLy pEOpLE problems, difficulty finding words, or confusion about time and place. As the disease progresses, the cognitive decline becomes more apparent. Individuals may struggle with basic tasks such as managing finances, following conversations, or recognising familiar faces. Behavioural changes, such as mood swings, agitation, and withdrawal from social activities, are also common. Causes Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. However, the exact cause of dementia is complex and often involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Depending on the area of the brain that is affected by the damage, dementia can affect people differently and cause different symptoms. Though ageing is a major risk, other factors like cardiovascular health, education level, and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise also play a role. Treatment While there is currently no cure for dementia, early diagnosis and intervention can improve quality of life. Treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing progression, and providing support to patients and their families. Cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and medications can help, but ongoing research is essential to finding more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.