DDementia in and of itself is not a disease. It is a term for a group of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. These symptoms vary according to which part of the brain has been damaged.
There are many different kinds of dementia, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, there are some common early symptoms that are important to be aware of:
Signs of Dementia
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Needing help with new technology or finding your way in a new environment can be a normal part of aging. But needing cognitive assistance with tasks or hobbies that have always been familiar can be a sign of dementia. You may notice the following:
- Unable to follow a familiar recipe
- Unable to remember the rules of a familiar card or board game
- Unsure how to drive to a familiar location
- Challenges in sequencing through the steps of common daily tasks such as laundry
2. Changes in memory that begin to affect daily life. Some minor memory loss is a normal part of aging – such as not remembering to pick up an item from the store, or forgetting an appointment and remembering it later. But when memory loss begins to affect daily living, it can be a sign of dementia. You may notice the following:
- Forgetting names or plans
- Asking the same question over and over
- Forgetting important things such as dates or events
- Forgetting recent events
- Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps
- Change in nutrition or weight gain/loss
- Change in personal grooming habits
3. New challenges in solving problems, planning, or money management. We have all likely experienced forgetting to pay a bill from time to time – that is often a normal part of aging. Someone with dementia however may begin to struggle with monthly bills or managing money altogether. Or be unable to formulate solutions for common problems, or to create plans and then follow through with them. You may notice the following:
- Paying the same bill multiple times
- Forgetting to pay bills on a regular basis
- Unable to use the correct denominations to pay for things
- Poor judgment or reasoning
Its important to be aware of new changes.
4. Changes in communication – speaking or writing. A typical age related change can be occasionally struggling to find the correct word for something. But signs of dementia can be one or more of the following:
- Repeating things over and over
- Using the wrong name for familiar objects
- Difficulty processing what others say to them, or difficulty following a conversation
- New changes with reading or writing words
5. Changes in mood and personality or social habits. A typical age related change can be an occasional disinterest in a social obligation. But someone with dementia may begin to withdraw significantly from others. This is often a result of many of the symptoms listed above.
What to do when you notice signs of dementia
Don’t ignore the signs. It can be emotionally difficult when you see these changes happening to someone you love – even scary. But resist the urge to ignore the signs.
Take notes. When you observe changes, keep track of them in a log or notebook. This can be valuable information for the physician.
Schedule an appointment with a physician. It’s very important for your loved one to be seen by a doctor – not only to rule out other possible medical causes of memory loss, but to discuss treatment options.
Educate yourself. Knowledge is power; learn about dementia, its causes and progressions. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for the journey ahead.
