Dementia is defined as a loss of brain function causing cognitive and functional disability. Unless caused by trauma such as a blow to the head, it is usually a progressive disorder that can be recognized by increasingly prevalent signs of dementia.
Early dementia may not be easy to recognize. Initial signs of dementia are often subtle and easily disregarded as being normal symptoms of aging.
Early stage dementia signs are general only recognized by the patient experiencing them and include trouble remembering things and misplacing items such as keys.
Even family members and close friends are likely to dismiss these small events as having an “off” day or simple disorganization. The patient will be good at covering gaps in function and lapses in memory at this point. Employing organizational skills such as notes, calendars and lists can help the person avoid drawing attention to themselves.
As the disease progresses to mid stage dementia, others may begin to notice more significant memory loss. Some significant signs of dementia that develop at this point may include short term memory impairment causing the person to ask repetitive questions and become anxious about upcoming events for fear that they will be forgotten. Organizational skills may also deteriorate during this period. This may result in an inability to keep a neat house or plan for events such as family dinners. If the person with thedementia symptoms is still employed, coworkers may begin to notice decline in job performance. As the disease progresses, the person may begin to experience mentalsigns of dementia such as personality changes and social withdrawal as he or she becomes uncomfortable in group setting or unfamiliar environments. Friends may begin to drift away as the person can no longer respond in the same manner.
Family members will need to intervene before the symptoms of dementia reach later, more severe stages. It will be important to ensure that dementia symptoms such as inappropriate behaviors do not put the person in danger. Many people begin forgetting things such as turning the oven on or locking the door. They also may lose the ability to dress themselves appropriately and may begin to wander out of the house, forgetting where they are. At this point constant supervision may be required. Many people choose to place the person in direct care so that they will be supervised and not allowed to harm themselves or others.
Another of the late stage symptoms of dementia includes personality changes. The patient may become suspicious, develop delusions or become combative. This is another reason for the need for continuous supervision. Unfortunately as the disease progresses to the end stage, the person with dementia may lose the ability to speak, control the bladder and eventually will not be able to walk or sit. Essentially, end stage dementia symptoms are identical to those of infancy and the person must be completely taken care of.
While signs of dementia often indicate an irreversible condition, recognizing dementia symptoms early will allow for possible medical treatment with one of the new drugs that are being developed for the treatment of dementia and the signs of Alzheimer’s. Some patients may be able to extend their cognitive functioning for longer than the average lifespan of 8 years and have continued functionality for up to 15 or so years. If you notice signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one, seek medical advice as soon as possible to take advantage of recent developments.
