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Symptoms of Dementia

If dementia can go undetected, are there specific symptoms
of dementia to watch for?

As mentioned before, about 50 percent of mild dementia goes undiagnosed by doctors. And some patients really need special elder care. So how do you know if it’s just one of those typical “senior moments” due to natural memory loss from aging – or a real problem of early dementia?

How do you know if you should take your loved one in for a dementia screening? And if they're heading towards either elderly home care or long term care? My dad's doctor said the main key is forgetting how to do normal, daily tasks.

Symptoms of dementia show up in several ways. The most obvious involve recognizable personality and behavior changes. You may notice some of these characteristics, but the only way to be sure if they are truly dementia symptoms is to see a medical professional who is familiar with elderly health care. Ask to have a dementia screening done, and possibly further testing. Here are some common dementia signs to watch for:

Memory loss has become more obvious to family and friends.
Memory loss is affecting daily activities and skills.
Chronic difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
Neglecting personal cleanliness, eating, and safety.
Inability to plan or follow directions.
Inability to concentrate.
Easily lost in places that are familiar to them.
Speech and word use are more difficult.
Difficulty understanding words and phrases.
Repeating often the same words and phrases in conversation.
Inability to absorb new ideas or to adapt to change.
Anxious when having to make a decision.
Increased disinterest in others.
Behaving in a more childlike manner.
My become scared, irritable, angry, even strike out at loved ones.

Depression is frequently part of the symptoms of dementia. In fact, about 25 percent of elderly dementia cases do involve depression. This can be treated with medication which can be very effective and lessen the feelings of sadness; and also counseling, to improve quality of daily life. Counseling, in fact, is often recommended for family members and caregivers who also feel burdened by dementia and its symptoms.

Be aware that, as we stated before, depression itself can also be mistaken for dementia because of the way it affects memory and concentration. Depression and memory loss are not necessarily signs of dementia. There may be all sorts of other elderly issues at play. Do not try to second-guess this yourself.

It is true that the two most common types of dementia – Alzheimers, and multi-infarct dementia (vascular dementia) are progressive, irreversible, and have no cure. But some types of dementia are due to conditions that can be treated, and therefore the dementia can be contained or reversed. It is very important to screen dementia and diagnose early dementia.

Find out more about these important aspects of dementia:

Causes of Dementia -- The causes of dementia actually change the brain, sometimes irreversibly. But there are important precautions you can take.
Dementia Screening -- Did you know about half of mild dementia cases slip through the cracks? Dementia screening is important since dementia is sometimes treatable. Unless it is too late.
Dementia Treatment -- Dementia treatment may be possible, if detected in time. Learn what the options are.
Global Dementia Statistics Spell Urgency -- Dementia Statistics in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report are staggering. Our easy summary explains it concisely. So you don't have to wade through all the pages of the report. A must-read. But if you'd like to read the document itself, we do provide links for your convenience.

Return from Symptoms of Dementia,
back to Dementia Overview

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