Which term describes loss of mental function with changes in personality, mood, and behavior?

• A. Amnesia
• B. Aphasia
• C. Delirium
• D. Dementia

Answer: (D)

Dementia describes a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function that often includes shifts in personality, mood, and behavior. It goes beyond memory loss to affect reasoning, language, and daily functioning, and personality or behavior changes commonly emerge as it advances. This makes it the best fit for the description provided. Amnesia centers on memory loss without broad, lasting changes in behavior; aphasia is a language impairment; delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and consciousness usually tied to an illness or medication. So the gradual, pervasive change in mental function with personality and behavior shifts points to dementia.