17
STEP 2: Review symptoms that may suggest underlying
dementia
Table 2. Behaviors That May Suggest Dementia
Behavior Consequences
How caregivers may
misinterpret these
manifestations
Amnesia
(loss of memory)
Repeats questions, misplaces
objects
"Frustrating"
"Paranoid"
Apraxia (loss of ability
to coordinate learned
movements)
Inability to use utensils, dress
appropriately, or use toilet
unassisted
"Won't eat"
"Uncooperative"
"Incontinent"
Aphasia (inability to
speak or understand)
Cannot follow directions,
unable to engage in
conversation
"Quiet"
"Uncooperative"
"Withdrawn"
Agnosia Cannot recognize faces,
familiar places, and/or
objects
"Frightened, combative"
"Wandering"
"Stealing others' belongings"
Affective
dysregulation
Loss of connection between
emotion and expression, loss
of empathy
"Depressed"
"Frustrated"
"Tearful"
"Mood swings"
