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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Dementia is the loss of intellectual ability, which is also known as cognitive (thinking) function. Persons with dementia may be confused, not able to remember things, or lose skills they once had, including performing normal daily activities. Eventually, they may not recognize family members or friends and may display agitated behavior. Although dementia is more common in older adults, it is not a normal consequence of aging. The September 22/29, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article reporting that regular walking is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia and an article reporting that physical activity is associated with slower cognitive decline.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA

• Gradually increasing memory loss
  
• Confusion
  
• Unclear thinking, including losing problem-solving skills
  
• Agitated behavior or delusions
  
• Becoming lost in formerly familiar circumstances
  
• Loss of interest in daily or usual activities
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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