Some early signs of dementia include: Mood swings, difficulty following storylines, and memory loss. In some cases, depression may be an early indicator of dementia. A physician will determine the presence of these signs and work with patients to reduce their risk. Some risk factors for dementia include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and buildup of fat in artery walls. Some studies have also shown a link between dementia and diabetes, particularly poorly controlled diabetes. Smoking can also increase dementia risk, as can exposure to air pollution from burning wood or traffic exhaust.
Memory loss
People suffering from dementia may struggle to understand written information and spoken language. They may repeat themselves or have trouble finding the right words. In addition to losing their words, these people may become disoriented and uneasy. Their personality may also change, and they may appear agitated and restless. In addition to memory loss, dementia can also result in personality changes, such as a decline in self-esteem. In order to determine the severity of a patient’s condition, they should seek medical attention.
A diagnosis of dementia is important to avoid further damage to the brain. The doctor can order a battery of tests to determine the cause of the symptoms and decide whether a specific treatment is necessary. If memory loss is the result of a medical condition, the specialist may recommend additional tests, such as a brain scan or MRI. In some cases, there may be reversible causes for dementia. The specialist can also recommend further tests, including neurocognitive testing.
While a person can function normally with a decline in memory, the onset of dementia may impair a person’s ability to live a normal life. They may forget names of people they know, misplace glasses, or make lists more often. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean a person will become incapable of working or maintaining a social life. Rather, dementia causes impairment in thinking skills and affects a person’s ability to work and interact with others.
Trouble following storylines
One of the hallmark early symptoms of dementia is trouble following storylines. As the brain changes, a person with dementia is often unable to process information as it was intended to be understood. They may forget what they have heard or seen, or struggle to understand conversations and TV programs. As dementia progresses, their sense of direction and spatial orientation will deteriorate as well. They may have difficulty recognizing familiar landmarks and places or forget how to get there.
Anger
Anger as a symptom of dementia can be a sign of many things, including a loss of personality and personal preferences. Though the ability to communicate problems and emotions may also diminish, it is possible to curb the behavior by trying to understand the person’s past upsets and needs. When dealing with a loved one suffering from dementia, it is important to keep in mind that the root cause of a person’s aggressive behavior can be separated into two types: physical and emotional. The former refers to physical issues that can be seen in the room, while the latter is internalized.
The cause of anger in a person with dementia may be an organic problem that has been causing a change in brain activity. In this case, medications can be given to decrease the symptoms. Despite this, the patient should remain calm and understanding whenever interacting with family and caregivers. Avoid being loud, aggressive, or upset, and try to understand the cause of the anger. The person with dementia will need some independence and you should respect their feelings.
Mood swings
Some people mistakenly assume that a patient with dementia is incapable of experiencing mood swings. While many medications and therapies can soften the symptoms, this is not necessarily the case. A patient with significant anxiety may need additional support and structure in their daily life. In fact, anxiety signals the loss of a person’s ability to function independently. Dementia sufferers cannot learn how to be more independent, and adjusting the environment can help make this happen.
Mood swings are one of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. They can affect the patient’s moods without any warning. While mood swings can be triggered by a physical change in the brain, they can also be a result of the stress of a confused world. Keeping an eye on these fluctuations is critical. Despite their distress, it is vital for caregivers to check on the patient’s physical needs to ensure they are comfortable.
In some cases, irritability may be a symptom of depression in a person with dementia. In such cases, it’s important to not take it personally. Responding to this type of behavior with humor may defuse the situation. When you notice an uncontrollable mood swing, do not take it personally. Try to find ways to laugh about it to reduce the frustration. You can also try to encourage positive behavior. Providing a routine will help your loved one remain happy and relaxed.
Balance problems
One of the earliest signs of dementia is changes in a person’s gait. While there are several reasons for clumsiness and unsteadiness, one of the most obvious is dementia. Moreover, some dementia symptoms, such as slowness of gait, may be caused by a separate disease, called Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, a person with a gradual slowing of their gait may be a sign of dementia.
One of the reasons for dizziness is a buildup of the proteins tau and amyloid in the brain and spinal fluid. Both proteins are associated with dementia. Additionally, blood pressure medication can increase the risk of falling and can make a person dizzy or lightheaded. This means that it is important to discuss the side effects and potential interactions of any blood pressure medication with the person’s doctor. Balance problems are symptoms of dementia, but they don’t necessarily indicate the presence of other diseases.
Other causes of balance problems include diseases of the cerebellum. People with this disorder often experience night sweats as well. It’s also possible to suffer from a fever and recent short term memory loss. It’s important to discuss any changes in balance with a health care provider to ensure that the cause is the right one. Balance problems are symptoms of vascular dementia. It is the second leading cause of dementia in the UK after Alzheimer’s disease. Because it’s less common than Alzheimer’s disease, many people are unaware of it.
Depression
Several studies have shown that older people with depression are at an increased risk of dementia. In one longitudinal study, 3333 elderly participants were followed for 21 years. Of these, 434 were later diagnosed with dementia, with the majority of these cases being Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that those with progressively worsening depression were at an increased risk of developing dementia. So what is the connection between depression and dementia? And what can be done about it?
While many of the symptoms of dementia are common, the two diseases often mimic each other. For example, depression may affect the memory, while dementia may affect the motor and cognitive functions. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from either, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In many cases, treatment will improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of developing dementia. If diagnosed early enough, medication may even be used to slow down the symptoms of certain types of dementia.
Early detection of depression is important to the overall health of the person with dementia and their family. An assessment should be done when the elderly person is complaining of multiple unexplained medical complaints and cognitive decline. This assessment should include the PHQ-9 depression scale and a severity scale. If the symptoms persist, you should seek specialist help. It is vital to seek professional advice as early detection and treatment will improve the quality of life for the patient and the whole family.
Lewy body disease
The main symptom of Lewy body disease is fluctuating mental status. This fluctuation occurs over a period of minutes or hours and is not associated with any acute physical illness. Some people with Lewy body disease develop depression or delusions. A brain scan can also detect the presence of Lewy bodies. While a brain scan is the most definitive way to diagnose dementia, there are some other possible causes for a person’s symptoms.
While it’s unclear why these proteins form, it is believed that the accumulation of these proteins damages the brain and interferes with signals. It is rare for people to inherit the disorder, so symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed. Although early symptoms of Lewy body dementia may resemble other brain disorders, they are also similar to those of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition to diagnosing Lewy body disease, treatment for the condition depends on the severity of the symptoms.
While there is no definitive diagnostic test for Lewy body dementia, people with mild symptoms may be able to function in their daily lives. As the disease progresses, however, they may need more help and assistance. In fact, they may require the services of a full-time caregiver. Because Lewy body disease symptoms resemble those of Alzheimer’s disease, some people with Lewy body dementia may have similar symptoms to those of this condition. Other symptoms of Lewy body disease include trouble with thinking, visual hallucinations, slow movement, muscle stiffness, and difficulty walking.
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