DEFINE 'dementia' and PERHAPS FOCUS on one or two of the major dementias, describing the cognitive symptoms of each. The essay should note that similarities exist between cognitive decline with ageing and those seen in dementia (and describe these), and also note the differences. The essay will explain why this is so, and note the theories of Salt house and others which try to explain decline with ageing. The DIFFICULTIES in distinguishing between the effect of dementia and ageing will be discussed.

Define 'dementia' and perhaps focus on one or two of the major dementias, describing the cognitive symptoms of each. The essay should note that similarities exist between cognitive decline with ageing and those seen in dementia (and describe these), and also note the differences. The essay will explain why this is so, and note the theories of Salt house and others which try to explain decline with ageing. The difficulties in distinguishing between the effect of dementia and ageing will be discussed.