(See also Overview of Delirium and Dementia and Dementia.) Etiology Behavioral and psychologic symptoms may result from functional changes related to dementia: Reduced inhibition of inappropriate behaviors (eg, patients may undress in public places) Misinterpretation of visual and auditory cues (eg, they may resist treatment, which they perceive as an assault) Impaired short-term memory (eg, they repeatedly ask for things already received) Reduced ability or inability to express needs (eg, they wander because they are lonely, frightened, or looking for something or someone) Patients with dementia often adapt poorly to the regimentation of institutional living.