ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the possible causes and symptoms of dementia. The behaviour of persons with dementia cannot be explained by the 'condition' of the brain alone. Extra information is needed to determine, for example, the influence of the person's personality and life history. In the beginning, in the early stage of the dementia process, memory difficulties can cause fear and problems in orientation. It is important to realise that as time goes by and the dementia process progresses, there is an increasing move from 'consequences' to 'affective reactions'. Physical changes are not the only cause of the symptoms and behaviours seen in dementia. As well as physical and social changes, older persons can also experience psychological changes. There are different types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is only one of these types. The existence of primary and secondary dementias often causes problems for 'outsiders' and the fellow care-home residents of persons with dementia.
