Which of the following best describes dementia?

• A. A mood disorder marked by periods of depression and mania
• B. A progressive decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities
• C. A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication
• D. A temporary loss of memory due to emotional stress

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.
2. Step 2: Recognize that dementia involves a progressive decline, meaning symptoms worsen over time rather than being temporary or episodic.
3. Step 3: Differentiate dementia from mood disorders, which involve emotional states such as depression and mania, and from developmental disorders, which are present from early life and affect social and communication skills.
4. Step 4: Note that temporary memory loss due to emotional stress is not classified as dementia because it does not involve a progressive cognitive decline.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of dementia is 'a progressive decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities.'