Current definition and classification of dementia diseases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Current clinical diagnosis of dementia diseases heavily relies on symptom presentation.
• A significant gap exists between observed symptoms and underlying pathological changes in dementia.
• Existing diagnostic and classification systems for dementia lack integration and clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a foundational approach for an updated dementia disease classification system.
• To advocate for a clear distinction between clinical symptoms and pathological findings in dementia.
• To outline the necessity of integrating biological markers and neuropsychiatric symptoms with pathological changes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of current dementia classification systems.
• Review of the relationship between symptoms and pathology in dementia research.
• Proposal for a two-step approach to refine dementia classification.

Main Results:

• Current dementia classifications are characterized by indistinctness between symptoms and pathology.
• A lack of integration is evident, with varied conceptualizations of dementia syndrome across medical disciplines.
• Existing systems emphasize different facets of dementia diseases, leading to fragmentation.

Conclusions:

• A crucial first step is establishing a clear distinction between symptoms and pathological changes in dementia.
• Future classification requires identifying patterns of biological markers and neuropsychiatric symptoms linked to specific pathological changes.
• This approach aims to create a more integrated and accurate classification system for dementia diseases.