Which of the following is a sign of dementia?

Which of the following is a sign of dementia?

• A. Confusion
• B. Enjoyment of life
• C. Clear memory
• D. Regular sleep

Answer: (A)

Confusion signals dementia because it reflects the core decline in thinking, orientation, and memory that characterizes the condition. People with dementia often get disoriented in familiar places, have trouble following conversations, and struggle with decision-making or remembering recent events. These changes from normal functioning point to cognitive impairment behind the symptoms. Enjoyment of life isn’t a definitive sign—someone with dementia can still show moments of happiness or interest, so this doesn’t reliably indicate the condition. Clear memory would argue against dementia, since memory problems are a hallmark of the disease. Regular sleep is variable and not a reliable sign by itself; while sleep problems can occur in dementia, having regular sleep does not indicate the presence of it.

Confusion signals dementia because it reflects the core decline in thinking, orientation, and memory that characterizes the condition. People with dementia often get disoriented in familiar places, have trouble following conversations, and struggle with decision-making or remembering recent events. These changes from normal functioning point to cognitive impairment behind the symptoms.

Enjoyment of life isn’t a definitive sign—someone with dementia can still show moments of happiness or interest, so this doesn’t reliably indicate the condition. Clear memory would argue against dementia, since memory problems are a hallmark of the disease. Regular sleep is variable and not a reliable sign by itself; while sleep problems can occur in dementia, having regular sleep does not indicate the presence of it.