Awareness in dementia: a review of clinical correlates

Aging Ment Health. 2005 Sep;9(5):414-22. doi: 10.1080/13607860500143075.

Abstract

This article provides a review of the literature on clinical correlates of awareness in dementia. Most inconsistencies were found with regard to an association between depression and higher levels of awareness. Dysthymia, but not major depression, is probably related to higher levels of awareness. Anxiety also appears to be related to higher levels of awareness. Apathy and psychosis are frequently present in patients with less awareness, and may share common neuropathological substrates with awareness. Furthermore, unawareness seems to be related to difficulties in daily life functioning, increased caregiver burden, and deterioration in global dementia severity. Factors that may be of influence on the inconclusive data are discussed, as are future directions of research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Affect
  • Anxiety
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Cognition*
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Depression
  • Humans
  • Self Concept*
  • Severity of Illness Index