DSM-IV-TR Criteria for Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type

Development of multiple cognitive deficits manifested by both memory impairment
(impaired ability to learn new information or recall previously
learned information) and one or more of the following cognitive disturbances:
• aphasia (language disturbance)
• apraxia (impaired ability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor
function)
• agnosia (failure to recognize or identify objects despite intact sensory
function)
• disturbance in executive functioning (planning, organizing, sequencing,
abstracting)
Cognitive deficits each cause significant impairment in social or occupational
functioning and represent significant decline from previous level of
functioning
Course characterized by gradual onset and continuing cognitive decline
Cognitive deficits not due to any of the following:
• other central nervous system conditions causing progressive deficits in
memory and cognition (such as cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s
disease, Huntington’s disease, subdural hematoma, normal-pressure hydrocephalus,
brain tumor)
• systemic conditions known to cause dementia (such as hypothyroidism,
vitamin B or folic acid deficiency, niacin deficiency, hypercalcemia,
neurosyphilis, HIV infection)
• substance-induced conditions
Deficits do not occur exclusively during course of a delirium
Disturbance not better accounted for by another Axis I disorder (such as
Major Depressive Episode, Schizophrenia)
Code based on presence or absence of clinically significant behavioral disturbance:
• Without Behavioral Disturbance (DSM code 294.10): Cognitive disturbance
not accompanied by any clinically significant behavioral disturbance
• With Behavioral Disturbance (DSM code 294.10): Cognitive disturbance
accompanied by clinically significant behavioral disturbance (such as
wandering, agitation)
Specify with Early Onset (onset at age sixty-five years or younger) or with
Late Onset (onset after age sixty-five) 55