The clinical features of dementia are usually considered in two groups: cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. Among cognitive symptoms, problems with memory are typical of most forms of dementia, but problems with language and executive functioning are also prevalent. Non-cognitive symptoms is a somewhat unsatisfactory general term for a group of problems that include mood disorders, psychotic symptoms and various other changes in behaviour. In assessment and management, it is important to look for underlying causes of symptoms and try to understand the perspective of the individual with dementia, because their behaviour may be communicating an important message.
Keywords: Agitation; apathy; aphasia; behavioural symptoms; cognitive symptoms; dementia; depression; memory loss; non-cognitive symptoms; psychological symptoms; psychosis.