Dementia: Clear Signs To Look Out For

Dementia is a group of disorders characterized by various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as memory loss and forgetfulness. Although the risk of dementia increases as one gets older, it should not be considered a normal part of aging. Dementia may be caused by neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, infection, a brain tumor, or brain cell death. While some cases are irreversible, medications and therapy are available once diagnosed. Here are the symptoms to look out for.

Vocabulary Problems

A person who is struggling with the early stages of dementia may deal with some difficulty speaking. Specifically, they may have problems finding the right words to communicate their thoughts and needs. There may be some difficulty explaining a situation, asking a question, or forming words and sentences, in which case it is a good idea to talk with a doctor about a dementia test to rule out cognitive decline. Regardless if vocabulary issues are due to dementia or not, a patient should seek help from a speech therapist who can help them regain their speech and improve their confidence as well.

Trouble With Short Term Memory

If one begins to experience trouble with short-term memory, this may be a sign of dementia. These changes are often gradual and subtle but tend to affect short-term memory. A person with dementia might be able to remember something that happened during childhood but may not remember what they ate for breakfast that morning or if they took any medication. Other examples might include forgetting where something was left, why a room was entered, or what they are supposed to be doing later in the day.

Mood Swings

Frequent changes in mood are a common symptom of dementia. While mood swings are not always easy to diagnosis in one's self, it may be somewhat apparent to others. Depression, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, or feelings of being overwhelmed are common signs of dementia. A personality shift can also occur and is quite common. If one is known for being shy and suddenly become outgoing, this may be a sign of dementia as the disease is known to affect an individual's judgment.

Unable To Complete Normal Tasks

If a patient has a hard time completing routine tasks, such as feeding or getting dressed, this may be a sign of dementia. There may also be a noticeable inability to manage somewhat complex or familiar tasks, such as balancing a checkbook, playing a board game or cooking. A person with early onset dementia may also have a difficult time learning new things or following new rules, as well as remembering them. Whether you have noticed this yourself or in a loved one, start taking note of these changes and visit an Alzheimer's and dementia specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Apathy

Apathy, or a lack of interest, is a common symptom of early-stage dementia. This may include a sudden lack of interest in hobbies or activities which once brought joy to the person. If there is a diminished desire to leave the house, participate in activities, exercise, or even communicate with friends and family anymore, this may be a sign of dementia. A person who seems emotionally flat or does not express many emotions may also be experiencing early signs of dementia.

Difficulty Following Along

If reading, watching a movie, or even following along in a conversation becomes difficult, it may be a sign of dementia. A classic early symptom is experiencing confusion while watching television or forgetting parts of a book they have just read. Patients with dementia can also forget conversations or the meaning of some words, which can make conversing with them a challenge. Difficulty following along or keeping up with social conversations would indicate that a visit to an appropriate medical practitioner is in order.

Confusion

Confusion is a general symptom of early onset dementia. It may present itself in the form of lapses in memory, judgment or thinking. It can also arise when a person no longer recognizes family members, loved ones, caretakers or those who are close to them. Confusion can also occur when a person no longer interacts with individuals in a socially acceptable manner or has a hard time communicating. Examples include confusing a loved one for a famous person or misplacing car keys.

Failure Adapting To Change

Even healthy individuals struggle with adapting to change, but this can be an especially difficult task for those with dementia to deal with. If a sudden change in lifestyle causes immense fear, this may be a sign of dementia. Being introduced to new changes or even remembering everyday habits becomes burdensome; therefore, situations like a new home or meal plan becomes almost impossible. Loved ones should be prepared to visit often and provide as much comfort as possible during this difficult transition.

Forgetting People, Locations, And Routines

Forgetting locations, landmarks, friends or family's houses are all common symptoms of dementia. There may also be difficulty using directions or following step-by-step instructions. Driving will be challenging and dangerous as it becomes easier to get lost and disoriented for those suffering from this dreadful disease. Forgetting the reason for being in a room or how one got there in the first place is another clear indicator of dementia as well.

The hardest part of dementia though, for the patient and their loved ones, is when they forget faces and names. Although it can be disheartening to deal with, loved ones should try to have patience and tolerance with their loved one if they forget their name or who they are, as they simply cannot help it. Try using old photographs or talking about past memories to see if it helps jog their memory. If it doesn't, assess the situation and try not to overwhelm them.

Repetition

Patients with dementia often forget why or when they did something, so they will do it over and over again. This can become dangerous, especially when it comes to taking too much medication or dealing with appliances, or anything of a nature that could harm them. Repeating or saying the same thing many times in a conversation is a classic sign of memory loss, which is associated with dementia. Eating breakfast twice, feeding a pet more than once, or washing hair multiple times in the shower are all classic signs of dementia as well. Look for these signs, and if you notice them in yourself or a loved one, visit an appropriate specialist for the right type of treatment and help.