Memory disorders are only one aspect of degenerative dementia. When the dementia instead is characterized by prominent impairments of judgment, insight, reasoning and social graces, this provides a challenge not only for differential diagnosis, but also for management. Two case studies illustrate the special issues facing a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and the caregivers who are involved with patients with non-amnestic dementias. The unique situation of the patient with presenile dementia is considered and broader questions of public policy are raised.
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