“Where is Dementia?” A Systematic Literature Review Exploring Neuroanatomical Aspects of Dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a condition caused by and associated with separate physical changes in the brain. The signs and symptoms of dementia are very similar across the diverse types, and it is difficult to diagnose the category by behavioral symptoms alone. Diagnostic criteria have relied on a constellation of signs and symptoms, but it is critical to understand the neuroanatomical differences among the dementias for a more precise diagnosis and subsequent management. With this regard, this review aims to explore the neuroanatomical aspects of dementia to better understand the nature of distinctive subtypes, signs, and symptoms. This is a review of English language literature published from 1996 to the present day of peer-reviewed academic and medical journal articles that report on older people with dementia. This review examines typical neuroanatomical aspects of dementia and reinforces the importance of a thorough understanding of the neuroanatomical characteristics of the different types of dementia and the differential diagnosis of them.