Diagnosing Dementia  A diagnosis of dementia requires a medical
history; physical examination, including neurological
examination); and appropriate laboratory tests.  Taking a
thorough medical history involves gathering information about
the onset, duration, and progression of symptoms; any possible
risk factors for dementia, such as a family history of the
disorder or other neurological disease; history of stroke; and
alcohol or other drug (prescription or over-the-counter) use.
The American Psychiatric Association has established two
generally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of dementia: (1)
erosion of recent and remote memory and (2) impairment of one or
more of the following functions:    • Language: misuse of words
or inability to remember and use words correctly (i.e., aphasia)
• Motor activity: unable to perform motor activities even though
physical ability remains intact (i.e., apraxia)   • Recognition:
unable to recognize objects, even though sensory function is
intact (i.e., agnosia)   • Exec