This website will help you recognize the early signs of dementia. Dementia is a medical condition that affects mental abilities involving cognitive function. Dementia most commonly affects the elderly, and the condition is not a normal part of the aging process. Dementia is linked to an underlying medical condition, and for this reason, it can affect people of any age group. Dementia can be a permanent condition with gradual decline or in some cases may be reversed with treatment. Family members may become aware of a loved one experiencing a gradual decline with word-finding difficulties or problems with everyday tasks such as cooking.

Dementia has a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life and the ability to form and maintain satisfying relationships. The condition’s negative impact also affects family members and caregivers, who are under stress to give care and protection. Many dementia patients become completely dependent, and dementia is a leading cause for placement in assisted living and nursing homes.

Dementia should not be confused with forgetfulness such as misplacing the car keys. Although forgetfulness is bothersome, it will not cause cognitive impairment. Dementia is categorized as early, intermediate and severe with increasing symptoms and dependency at each stage.

Early Signs of Dementia

The first sign of early dementia is usually symptoms of memory loss. During this stage, patients have difficulty findings words or may define the words in discussion. Other early signs and symptoms include forgetting names, losing things and having difficulty performing everyday tasks. A patient with early signs of dementia may appear confused and show strange behavior with mood swings and anger. Unusual personality changes occur as well as poor judgment and compulsive behavior.

Intermediate Signs of Dementia

At this stage, signs and symptoms are apparent first by worsening symptoms of early dementia. The patient may be unable to carry out activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing without assistance. The intermediate patient is an increased fall risk and at risk for other accidents because of impaired judgment and confusion. The patient may be aggressive and display inappropriate sexual behavior. A disruptive sleep pattern may occur when staying up all night is not unusual.

Severe Signs of Dementia

Patients with severe dementia have a complete loss of memory and may not recognize relatives or friends. In addition to worsening early and intermediate symptoms, the patient is unable to move around without help. Complications of severe dementia include malnutrition, dehydration, injury, and pressure sores among others.

Although dementia usually affects the elderly, young people are at risk as well. Depression is a concern in elderly patients as depression symptoms mimic dementia. Always consult a physician for any unusual symptoms and to learn more about treatment options.

Signs of Dementia

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