Introduction
Dementia is a serious condition that results in memory loss and decline in
cognitive ability. It can also cause changes in personality and behavior, as
well as problems with language, vision and movement. The symptoms of dementia
usually occur gradually over several months or years but can sometimes suddenly
appear after an illness or injury. The risk of developing dementia increases
with age but it can affect people at any stage of life – even children!
What is dementia?
Dementia is a decline in mental ability that affects the brain and results
in problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It can be caused by many
diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.
You may have heard that dementia is a normal part of aging. But this isn't
true; while it's easy to confuse dementia with age-related memory loss
(sometimes called "senior moments"), they are very different
disorders.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people,
but not all cases of cognitive decline are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or
other types of dementia—so experts recommend talking to your doctor if you see
signs or symptoms that concern you.
What are the early signs of dementia?
The early
signs of dementia are associated with changes in thinking, behavior and
personality.
·
Memory loss is a common symptom. You may notice
that your loved one has trouble recalling recent events or names of people they
know well.
·
Language difficulties are another early sign of
dementia. It may be difficult for them to find the right word or name things
correctly, such as saying “dog” when referring to a cat or items with similar
names (e.g., “table” instead of “chair”).
·
Difficulty planning and organizing tasks is
another common challenge for those with Alzheimer's disease or other types of
dementia. The person might appear disorganized and confused about what needs to
be done next; they may not follow through on plans or take care of daily tasks
such as bathing and dressing themselves.
·
The ability to make judgments depends on the
region of the brain affected by dementia; however, this can include problems
with problem-solving abilities (for example: making important financial
decisions), finding solutions when facing obstacles (such as getting lost while
driving) and engaging in appropriate behaviors according to social norms (for
example: asking permission before entering someone else's home).
·
Difficulties abstract thinking skills affect
everything from learning new information from instructions given verbally
versus written down; using logic when solving problems like figuring out how
much money will add up after shopping online versus understanding complex
concepts found in books/articles written by experts on various topics covered
within their field(s); remembering information presented orally rather than
visually displayed via charts/graphs; understanding jokes which rely heavily
upon metaphors used humorously instead being able
Could these be symptoms of something else?
·
Depression
·
Anxiety
·
Other mental health problems, including bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia. If you have any of these conditions, you may
experience similar symptoms to those associated with dementia. If you're
concerned about your symptoms, talk to a doctor or psychologist. They can help
you determine whether the problem is one of these other conditions or something
else entirely.
·
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea (a condition
where breathing gets interrupted during sleep) and narcolepsy (a disorder that
causes excessive daytime sleepiness). Both can cause memory loss in some
patients who have them—and they're treatable! If your memory problems seem like
they might be related to not getting enough quality sleep at night, talk to
your doctor about how he or she can help you manage these issues. It could make
all the difference in how well you remember things.
·
Alcoholism or drug addiction: Substance abuse is
common among individuals with early-stage dementia because it makes them feel
better temporarily; however this feeling doesn't last long after alcohol
withdrawal symptoms set in again within just 24 hours (drugs may produce
similar effects but take longer than alcohol does). Since both substances impair
judgment significantly while under their influence--like when someone chooses
which shirt goes best with pants--it's easy for users of either type of
substance forget important details such as where they left their car keys
yesterday morning."
Who can spot early dementia?
It's important to note that the signs of early dementia are often subtle and
can be easily overlooked. This is why it's helpful to have a significant other
or family member who may notice changes in your behavior before you're aware of
them yourself. It's also important for friends, loved ones and professionals
like doctors and nurses who interact with older adults on a regular basis to be
aware of these signs so they can help identify people who might have dementia
earlier on.
For example:
·
Doctors should ask their patients about memory
loss as part of their routine health assessments. They should also encourage
their patients to see a doctor if they notice any changes in their memory or
thinking abilities over time.
·
Social service providers should talk with older
adults about what is expected from them when interacting with people in various
social settings (for instance, at work), so those expectations aren't too high
for an individual whose cognitive skills may already be declining due to
age-related changes like dementia.
You or someone you love may be at risk of having dementia.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s
important to talk to your doctor. You can get a diagnosis of dementia and begin
treatments that may help slow its effects. Even if treatment isn't possible,
there are things you can do to help the person stay connected with friends and
family, as well as active and engaged in life.
Conclusion
Your first reaction to finding out you or a loved one has dementia may be
shock, denial or disbelief. But the sooner you accept the reality of this
disease and start treatment, the better your chances of managing it
successfully. If you have any questions about dementia or any other medical
condition, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're here for you 24 hours a
day, 365 days per year.
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