What Is Semantic Dementia?

Abstract

Semantic dementia is distinguishable from other presentations of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer disease, not only by fluent speech and impaired comprehension without loss of episodic memory, syntax, and phonology but also by empty, garrulous speech with thematic perseverations, semantic paraphasias, and poor category fluency. Questioning the meaning of words (eg, "What is steak?") is an important diagnostic clue not seen in other groups, and behavior change is prevalent.