Organic mental disorders mnemonic

Potentially reversible causes of dementia

The mnemonic

DEMENTIA

What each word stands for

  • DDrugs
  • EEmotional (depression)
  • MMetabolic or endocrine (hypothyroidism, B12)
  • EEyes and ears (sensory loss)
  • NNormal pressure hydrocephalus
  • TTumour
  • IInfection (neurosyphilis, HIV)
  • AAlcohol

Why it matters clinically

Treating these can reverse or halt cognitive decline.

Where it stops being reliable

Lists mimics and contributors, not degenerative dementias.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Organic mental disorders mnemonic?

DEMENTIA. It helps you recall: Potentially reversible causes of dementia.

What does "D" stand for?

Drugs

What does "E" stand for?

Eyes and ears (sensory loss)

What does "M" stand for?

Metabolic or endocrine (hypothyroidism, B12)

What are all the parts of the DEMENTIA mnemonic?

D: Drugs; E: Emotional (depression); M: Metabolic or endocrine (hypothyroidism, B12); E: Eyes and ears (sensory loss); N: Normal pressure hydrocephalus; T: Tumour; I: Infection (neurosyphilis, HIV); A: Alcohol.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Organic mental disorders in Psychiatry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Lists mimics and contributors, not degenerative dementias.

How is this useful clinically?

Treating these can reverse or halt cognitive decline.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Psychiatry question about Organic mental disorders.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.