Dementia is a term used to describe a group of disorders that affect memory, thinking and social abilities. These disorders are caused by abnormal brain changes that can trigger a decline in cognitive abilities that affect behavior, feelings, relationships and interfere with daily activities. Worldwide, 50 million people are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases being diagnosed each year. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, makes up for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are often characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. However, there are many other symptoms beyond memory loss that can occur with dementia. Although the disease cannot be reversed, understanding these symptoms can lead to more support and better medical care for the individual diagnosed.
While dementia can look different on everyone, there are some common signs and symptoms that many people experience. According to Healthline Magazine, those who receive a dementia diagnosis will usually experience two or more of these symptoms, all of which would be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You may notice your loved one forgetting what they had for breakfast or what they did earlier in the day. They may also find it difficult to recall information they have recently learned or rely on memory aids, like writing notes and memos, to keep track of things. While most people occasionally forget things more frequently as they age, they should be able to recall them later if the memory-loss is strictly age related.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia might find it difficult to follow instructions, such as directions or adding numbers to pay bills.
Regular tasks might become increasingly challenging for those with dementia. For example, cooking dinner, getting to a familiar location or remembering regularly scheduled activities might get forgotten.
Visual information, like reading or working out the differences between colors and shapes, might become more difficult to comprehend. Activities like driving or riding a bicycle might become challenging.
As dementia progresses, communicating can become challenging. Staying engaged and following along in conversations can also become more arduous.
Those with dementia might forget where they have placed items they use often such as the telephone, remote control, important documents, car keys, or their wallet. This can lead to frustration, and they might even accuse people of stealing.
Depression or a sudden shift in moods is also a characteristic of dementia. You might notice a change in reasoning skills or in individual traits. For example, if your loved one is usually patient, you might notice them becoming agitated more than normal.
You might notice your loved one becoming uninterested in socializing with other people or becoming withdrawn. Those with dementia might also stop doing their favorite hobbies or avoid being with others.
Experts are still researching what causes a person to develop dementia. However, there are many factors that contribute to dementia, some of which we can control and others we cannot. According to the Mayo Clinic, age and family history are linked to a higher risk of developing the disease. The risk of dementia rises as you age, especially after age 60. Those with a family history of dementia are at a greater risk of developing the condition. However, it’s important to note that many people with a family history of dementia never develop symptoms.
Other risk factors for dementia such as diet and exercise, alcohol consumption and quality sleep can be controlled. Research has shown that those who followed a healthy lifestyle lowered their risk of cognitive decline. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and prioritizing physical and mental activity. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause changes in the brain linked to dementia, especially early-onset dementia. In addition, those who have issues with sleep, such as sleep apnea or other disturbances, might be at a higher risk of developing dementia than those who do not. It’s important to note that following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing dementia but does not eliminate it.
There are three primary stages of dementia—early, middle and late. These are often referred to as mild, moderate and severe in a medical context. While dementia affects each person differently, there are identifying characteristics of each phase, which can help caregivers provide proper support.
During the first phase of dementia, an individual will begin to exhibit early symptoms of dementia but may be able to function independently. Depending on the person, they may still be able to drive, work, complete basic daily tasks and maintain their regular social activities.
In the early stage of dementia, an individual may have memory lapses, forget familiar words and the location of everyday objects. While the symptoms may not be obvious to acquaintances, close family and friends would be able to identify these symptoms. Some common symptoms include the following:
An individual with dementia can stay in the middle stage for many years. During this period, they may need a greater level of support from their caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, those with middle-stage dementia may experience symptoms such as:
During the final stage of dementia, individuals may lose their ability to control movement, speech and respond to their environment. Significant personality changes may also arise and often require around-the-clock care. Oftentimes individuals will lose awareness of their surrounding and recent experiences. Those with late-stage dementia will undergo changes in their physical abilities, which often include the ability to walk, sit, communicate and swallow.
During this time, individuals become very vulnerable to illness and infections. During this phase of dementia, caregivers may require additional support, as the physical strain of caregiving can become intensive. Many caregivers seek support through residential care such as a hospice unit or nursing home.
Taking the step to get checked by your doctor can be incredibly difficult. However, there are many treatment options available for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. While there isn’t a treatment that can reverse the disease, there are medications that can help lessen the symptoms. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat symptoms related to thinking, language, and judgement while other medications such as glutamate regulators work to improve reasoning and ability to perform simple tasks. There are also many non-pharmacological treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, memory training, dementia support groups and psychotherapy interventions which can help with the emotional side-effects of dementia. Oftentimes, an early diagnosis gives individuals the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, which ultimately help researchers learn more about the disease.
Visit Maplewood’s Guide to Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis to learn more.
Our communities at Maplewood Senior Living are committed to providing a comfortable environment for individuals living through each stage of their dementia. To learn more about our offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact us.
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