Warning Signs of Dementia

Warning Signs of Dementia

1. Language Difficulties: While occasional word-finding struggles are normal, individuals with dementia may frequently forget simple words or use inappropriate substitutes within a sentence, making their speech difficult to understand. They may also repetitively convey the same information each time they interact with you.
2. Memory Loss Impacting Daily Functions: Forgetting a name or an appointment occasionally is common, but those with dementia tend to forget things more frequently, including the names of family members or friends, store names, and phone numbers. In many cases, they may not remember these details at all.
3. Disorientation to Time and Place: Momentary lapses in remembering the day of the week can happen to anyone. However, individuals with dementia can experience profound disorientation, getting lost in familiar surroundings or being unable to find their way back home.
4. Mood and Behavior Changes: Occasional mood swings are a part of life, but dementia can cause rapid and unexplained shifts in mood. Individuals may become confused, suspicious, or withdrawn without apparent reason. Their behavior may deviate from their usual patterns.
5. Impaired Judgment: Dementia affects memory, concentration, and judgment. This can lead to poor decision-making abilities, particularly in activities that require sound judgment, such as driving. Such individuals can pose a risk not only to themselves but also to others on the road.
6. Misplacement of Items: Misplacing everyday items like keys or a cell phone happens to everyone, but individuals with dementia tend to misplace things more frequently and in inappropriate locations.
7. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Even the busiest individuals may occasionally forget tasks, like serving peas at the end of a meal. However, people with dementia may forget not only to serve a prepared meal but also that they cooked it. This forgetfulness can extend to dangerous situations like leaving the stove unattended.
8. Personality Changes: While minor personality changes can occur with age, dementia can cause more pronounced alterations. Individuals may become suspicious, fearful, apathetic, or uncommunicative. They may also exhibit unusual levels of uninhibited behavior, excessive familiarity, or heightened outgoingness.
9. Loss of Initiative: It’s normal to occasionally lose interest in certain activities or obligations. However, someone with dementia may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and become increasingly passive, requiring prompts and cues to engage.
10. Problems with Abstract Thinking: Balancing a checkbook can be challenging, but individuals with dementia may forget the basic concepts and processes involved with numbers. Abstract thinking becomes difficult for them.

When you notice these symptoms in a family member after a long absence, remember that other conditions can mimic dementia. It’s important not to jump to conclusions. Stroke, depression, alcoholism, infections, hormone disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and brain tumors can also manifest dementia-like symptoms, many of which are treatable.

If you suspect your loved one may have dementia, the first step is to visit a physician. Early diagnosis and intervention can help slow the progression of the disease. Some individuals may be resistant to the idea of seeing a doctor due to denial or fear of confirming their self-diagnosis. One way to overcome this obstacle is to suggest a general check-up for a symptom they are willing to acknowledge, such as a headache or failing eyesight. Provide reassurance and approach the situation with a caring and calm attitude, as their worries and fears are valid. Remember, taking action as early as possible provides more treatment options.

Resources:

• Alzheimer’s Association, USA
• Better Health

To learn more about estate planning and elder law, visit Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate at www.davidwingate.com. For an Initial Consultation, call (301) 663-9230. We can assist you with powers of attorneys, living wills, wills, trusts, Medicaid planning, and asset protection. With office locations in Frederick, Washington, and Montgomery Counties, Maryland, we are here to provide you with peace of mind.

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The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations regarding dementia, estate planning, and elder law can vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.

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