Dementia is defined as which of the following?

• A. A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness
• B. A slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment, that is often accompanied by personality changes
• C. Inflammation of a joint
• D. A genetic disorder present at birth

Answer: (B)

Dementia is a syndrome defined by a gradually worsening decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, and judgment, often with personality changes, that over time interferes with daily life. This description captures the hallmark features: slow, progressive loss of cognitive function and changes in behavior or personality. It’s not describing a mood disorder like persistent sadness, not an inflammatory joint condition, and not a genetic disorder present from birth. Dementia can result from various diseases (like Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia), but the key idea here is the slow, continuous drop in mental abilities that affects everyday functioning.