Motor functions are generally good and persons have little trouble carrying out the routines of daily life in the early stages. In the advanced stages of dementia persons lose much of their intellectual ability. They can no longer reason and they fail to recognize family and even themselves. They require constant supervision and are unable to carry out the routines of life. In severe cases, language is often bizarre and meaningless.
Some persons become mute or produce jargon.
The environment can be manipulated to minimize negative behaviors. An alternative communication system may aid the individual in communicating basic needs. A behavior management program can be planned for the individual, but may be of limited usefulness. Survival in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementias. Semantic memory loss in dementia of Alzheimer's type.