A 70-year-old client is being evaluated for dementia. Assessment indicates the client is able to recall childhood memories and some recent events, has poor self-care skills, and cries much of the day. What is the appropriate diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as the ability to recall memories but with poor self-care skills and frequent crying, are more indicative of depression than dementia. Depression in the elderly can often mimic dementia (sometimes referred to as pseudodementia), but the presence of emotional symptoms like frequent crying points more towards a mood disorder.

A 70-Year-Old Client Is Being Evaluated for Dementia