Introduction
Dementia is a severe condition that results in memory loss and a decline in cognitive ability. It can also cause personality and behavior changes and language, vision, and movement problems. 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.
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. Still, 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 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.
· 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 critical 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. Talk to a doctor or psychologist if you're concerned about your symptoms. 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.
