Heterogeneity in dementia: Challenges and opportunities

The major sources of heterogeneity in the manifestation of dementia are ana lyzed as stemming from three types of sources: initial predisposing factors , lifelong events, and the current condition. Each of these sources is, in turn, comprised of three general domains: genetic/biologic/medical, psychos ocial, and environmental. These influences affect the manifestation of deme ntia in terms of cognitive, behavioral, self-maintenance. and affective fun ctioning. Mapping the sources and manifestations of this heterogeneity can lead to both a more thorough understanding of people with dementia and the development of management settings and interventions that are more responsi ve to people with dementia.