Both the history and examination of any patient suspected of having dementia need to elicit evidence of a diffuse and progressive failure of memory, intellect and personality.
Conversation with patients suffering from dementia needs, in as natural a way as possible, to determine whether they can give a good account of their circumstances—for example, how they manage at home and how they spend their time. This information, however, should always be corroborated by a relative or close friend, to whom more direct questions can be directed to determine the patients social competence. Short- and long-term memory may be tested, as may orientation, calculating ability and language competence. Points in the history that are important to obtain from a second person include ascertaining the rate of evolution of the mental disturbance, any evidence of failing intellect or social capacity, the patients previous personality and any mood changes. Enquiry should also be made about any major social upheavals in the patients recent past, any history of head injury, as well as the possible co-existence of physical symptoms.

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