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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
The concept of dementia: retain, reframe, rename or replace?
Alexander F Kurz1, Nicola T Lautenschlager
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Germany. alexander.kurz@lrz.tum.de
International Psychogeriatrics
|October 10, 2009
Summary
The term "dementia" describes severe intellectual decline but needs reframing due to its narrow focus and outdated meaning. A new name is proposed to better reflect diverse cognitive and behavioral conditions and aid early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The term "dementia" historically signifies severe intellectual deterioration impacting daily functioning and necessitating care.
- Current medical understanding defines dementia by cognitive and behavioral symptoms stemming from progressive brain diseases, with significant variability in presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the continued utility of the term "dementia" in clinical practice and medical classification systems.
- To propose revisions for the concept of dementia, emphasizing its heterogeneity and the need for updated terminology.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "dementia" and its historical and medical applications.
- Review of existing diagnostic criteria and their limitations in capturing the spectrum of cognitive impairment.
Main Results:
- The concept of dementia, despite limitations, remains valuable for directing clinical attention to underlying pathologies and ensuring patient access to treatment and support.
- The current definition is too narrowly modeled on Alzheimer's disease, failing to adequately represent other dementia subtypes.
- The term "dementia" itself is considered outdated and inappropriate given its literal meaning and the evolving understanding of cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- The concept of dementia should be retained but reframed in future psychiatric classifications to acknowledge symptom pattern heterogeneity.
- A new terminology is recommended to better align with scientific advancements, improve medical communication, and support early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders.
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