Dementia is a brain disorder that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults. There are many different types of dementia, but the most common is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time.
The symptoms of dementia can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:
Memory loss: It is normal to sometimes forget names but remembering them later. However, forgetting recently learned information, important dates, and asking for the same information over and over again may be a sign of dementia.
Difficulty with familiar tasks: It is normal to occasionally need help with the microwave or remote, but it may be a sign of dementia to be unable to drive to a familiar location or forget to turn off the stove.
Confusion about time or place: It is normal to be confused about the day of the week but recall it later. However, people with dementia may lose track of dates, seasons of the year, and time of day.
Language problems: It is normal to sometimes have difficulty finding the right word, but trouble following or joining a conversation, or stopping in the middle of a conversation and having no idea how to continue, may be a sign of dementia.
Problem-solving: It is normal to occasionally make errors when balancing the checkbook, but the inability to develop and follow a plan, work with numbers, or keep track of monthly bills may be a symptom of dementia.
Changes in personality and behavior: It is normal to sometimes become irritable when life throws a problem your way, However, becoming withdrawn, agitated, or depressed, trouble controlling emotions or behavior can be a symptom of dementia.
Withdrawal from social activities: It is normal to want to be alone occasionally, but people with dementia often withdraw from hobbies and social activities.
Misplacing things: It is normal to misplace things from time to time and retrace steps to find them. However, putting things in unusual places and being unable to retrace their steps may be a sign of dementia.
Vision and hearing problems: It is normal to develop age-related vision changes such as cataracts and macular degeneration. However, difficulty reading, judging distances, determining color, or seeing contrast may be a symptom of dementia.
Changes in mood: It is normal to sometimes become irritable when life throws a problem your way. However, becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious when out of a comfort zone may be a symptom of dementia.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Dementia can be a difficult disease, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who can help you cope with this disease. With the right treatment and support, you can live a full and meaningful life with dementia.
I hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask on the Q & A Page of this site.
Comentarios