Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Understanding delusion in dementia: a review
Gabriele Cipriani1, Sabrina Danti, Marcella Vedovello
1Neurology Unit, Hospital of Viareggio. Via Aurelia, Lido di Camaiore, Lucca, Italy.
Geriatrics & Gerontology International
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Delusions are common in dementia, impacting cognitive and functional abilities. This review examines their causes, brain correlates, and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, presents with cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as delusions, are clinically significant and disabling in dementia.
- Delusions are a frequent and persistent feature in the clinical profile of dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the phenomenon of delusion in individuals with dementia.
- To explore the etiology and cerebral correlates of delusional beliefs in dementia.
- To analyze current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for delusions in dementia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of electronic databases for original research and review articles.
- Inclusion of studies using keywords: delusion, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and Lewy body disease.
- Analysis of proposed explanations for delusional etiology and identified cerebral correlates.
Main Results:
- Delusions are a common, disabling, and persistent symptom in various forms of dementia.
- Multiple etiological explanations for delusions in dementia have been proposed.
- Cerebral correlates associated with delusional beliefs in dementia are under consideration.
- Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies are being analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Delusions represent a significant challenge in managing dementia, affecting patient quality of life.
- Understanding the etiology and neurobiological underpinnings of delusions is crucial for effective treatment.
- A comprehensive approach, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, is necessary for managing delusions in dementia.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:26Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that significantly impact cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation. Among these, the positive symptoms stand out as they involve the addition or exaggeration of normal mental functions, deviating markedly from typical behavior and perception. Hallucinations and delusions are prominent positive symptoms, each profoundly affecting the individual's experience of reality.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
The term "psychosis" refers to a spectrum of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors. It can manifest as mood disorders, dementia, delirium with psychotic features, substance-induced psychosis with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Among all these disorders, schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Psychotic symptoms in all...