When many people think about dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease often comes to mind. While it is true that it is associated with Alzheimer’s Disease there are several other diseases and disorders that can cause dementia. You may be surprised to find out that dementia isn’t actually a disease. It is a term that describes a collection of signs and symptoms that relate to a decline in cognitive abilities.
This can be rather serious in that if the symptoms progress enough, your ability to perform simple tasks and every day functions can become increasingly difficult. It can be caused by a number of different things, but the common theme is damaged brain cells. The brain has many different areas that each carry out specialized functions. When those areas are damaged, different tasks are impacted. The signs and symptoms of dementia vary according to which areas of the brain get damaged.
1. Memory Loss
The key to determining whether or not someone you may know has dementia is the frequency or duration of disruptions that memory loss causes. Occasional forgetfulness is often seen as part of the aging process, however, when the forgetfulness is so extreme that important information is consistently forgotten, you may need to seek help from a doctor.
It is helpful to determine what is normal and what is not in terms of aging. What’s not normal is forgetting things that you have just learned. It is also not normal to not be able to remember important dates such as birthdays or anniversaries. If someone you know has difficulty remembering your name and you’ve known them your whole life, it may be a sign of dementia.
Those who are afflicted with it may not always be able to recognize the signs and symptoms by themselves. It is important to keep an eye on a loved one who you suspect may be experiencing these signs and symptoms. If it takes your loved one a bit longer than usual to remember something, it’s not necessarily cause for concern. When important information cannot be recovered or the forgetfulness happens every day you may want to seek help.
2. Loneliness
These symptoms can be difficult to manage. Those who are afflicted are often more likely to isolate themselves from friends or family. If an otherwise normally social person begins to shy away from loved ones, it may be a cause for concern. In a 2016 study done on loneliness and dementia, researchers found that those who have dementia, and those who care for them, experience more loneliness than the general population. The loneliness can stem from being embarrassed of memory loss, not having anyone to confide in or even anxiety and depression. There are support groups available for those who suffer from dementia, and having a support system can be helpful in combatting the feelings of being alone.
3. Anxiety
It is likely that everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another. Feelings of unease or distress can be typical based on the situation. However, those with dementia may experience anxiety for prolonged periods of time, in addition to the other symptoms. Memory loss and disruptions in cognition can be very difficult to deal with. A person with dementia may feel anxious when they can’t remember the name of their son or daughter, but know that they should know it. The stresses of living with the symptoms can really take a toll on mental health, however this is a symptom that can be managed with therapy and medication.
4. Depression
As with anxiety, the cognitive changes one experiences when dealing with dementia can be a source of great internal conflict. Feelings of helplessness can easily take over when one loses mental faculties. Feeling sad from time to time is normal, but it is time to see a doctor when the sadness is prolonged. You may notice your loved one withdrawing more than usual or keeping themselves isolated. They may not be interested in doing activities that they normally love. Feelings of loneliness and anxiousness can lead to depression. The signs and symptoms of dementia can often be intertwined. Depression can be managed with help from a psychiatrist or neurologist.
5. Hallucination
You’re at home cooking dinner one night and you hear your mother in the other room talking to someone. You didn’t hear the phone ring but you don’t think much of it. She sounds like she’s having a wonderful time catching up with an old friend. You go in to her room and find that there is nobody there. She was having a hallucination. Common in individuals who suffer from dementia, hallucinations are perceptions of things that are not really there. An afflicted individual could hallucinate people, smells, sounds, tastes or sensations that aren’t really there. If you notice your loved one having hallucinations, be sure to get them to a doctor for evaluation. Hallucinations can potentially be dangerous and you’ll want to ensure they are being properly treated.
6. Jumbled Speech
As noted before, dementia occurs due to brain cell damage. When the area of the brain that controls speech is damaged, those affected may have difficulty with their speech. Individuals who have issues with speech may have a hard time finding the right word for something. This can be a typical sign of aging, but may be a more alarming symptom. Mixing up words in a sentence or jumbled speech is not typical and should be addressed. What the individual says might not necessarily make sense, and they may end up getting confused. If someone you know has jumbled speech, try to get them in a calm state before talking to them. Speak slowly and clearly and allow them plenty of time to answer. Speech therapists may be able to help with ways to improve communication.
7. Paranoia
Some of these signs and symptoms can be associated with other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, so it is important to have yourself or loved one checked out by a psychiatrist if you notice them. Paranoid individuals may accuse others of things they haven’t done, such as stealing their items or hurting them. Those suffering from paranoia may strongly believe that someone is out to harm them in some way, even if that is truly not the case. If a loved one accuses you of something that you did not do, it is important to discuss the paranoia with their caretakers or doctors.
8. Mental Confusion
The other symptoms on this list all take an emotional toll. As memory loss worsens, those afflicted may find themselves getting confused more often. They may forget who they are talking to, where they were going or what they are supposed to be doing. Mental confusion can be very stressful not only for those who have it, but for their caregivers, family members and friends as well. It is normal to momentarily forget something simple and later remember it, this is a typical sign of aging. Mental confusion is more extreme and often leaves the individual afflicted in a very distressed state.
9. Mood Swings
If your loved one is affected, they may experience rapid mood swings. You may notice that they can go from happy to extremely confused and frightened in a matter of minutes. It can be difficult as a caregiver, family member or friend to deal with rapid mood changes, but it is important to stay calm. Your loved one has gone through severe cognitive changes and it can be very overwhelming. They may become quickly agitated or angered by seemingly small things. Having a mood swing may be typical from time to time due to aging and hormonal changes, but the mood swings will be more frequent and intense in individuals who have dementia.
10. Disorientation
Related to decline in memory and overall cognitive function, afflicted individuals may get disoriented easily. They may forget where they are or who they are with, and as a result become disoriented and confused. A disoriented person may lose track of time and forget what year it is. It is more serious than an occasional moment of confusion. Disorientation can occur fairly often, especially in the late stages of diseases related to dementia. Extreme disorientation makes going about your day incredibly difficult and frustrating. If your loved one is suffering from disorientation, it is important to be as patient as possible. Explain to them what time it is, where they are and that they are in a safe place.
