5 signs of early alert of dementia: how to recognize them and what to do
In addition, how to get a diagnosis earlier can improve your quality of life.
When you’re getting your phone, forget about the day of the week, or find your reading glasses in the refrigerator (hey, it happens!), It is not unusual to wonder if these keys are a warning sign of some something more serious than space. But because there is no remedy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia , And Dementia with Lewy body - Three of the most common causes of cognitive decline - Many people can be reluctant to know if they could really develop dementia. But experts say that putting your head in the sand is a mistake.
"Obtaining a dementia diagnosis as soon as possible has several advantages," explains Peter Ross ,, Founder and CEO of Senior Helers , one of the largest and best suppliers in the country of care for the elderly at home. "Although there is no remedy for dementia, detection and early treatment can help slow its progress and improve quality of life."
Bruce Albala , PHD, Environmental and professional clinical professor of health and professional At the University of California in Irvine, notes that certain causes of dementia are treatable. "Although the MA is the most common cause of progressive dementia, many non -progressive forms of cognitive impairment are often the result of treatable conditions such as depression, hypothyroidism, folate deficiency (vitamin B), etc. Even some of the progressive dementias are due to other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, which can be treated. "
Albala also points out that there are promising drugs on the horizon that Can slow down progress announcement, as well as drugs that help treat symptoms . "If you know the actual underlying cause of cognitive or dementia deficiency and the currently approved treatments would not wish, there is generally the possibility of being evaluated to be included in a clinical research trial where last experimental drugs and treatments are tested, "he said Better life .
"If a person, especially the older 55, has one of the signs of early alert [of dementia] and that he lasts more than a few weeks, the individual should consult a medical assessment by a professional of health, "explains Albala. In this spirit, read the rest for five warning panels of early dementia. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
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1 You have trouble with routine activities.
If something that was easy for you, such as preparing a quick dinner, making a laundry charge or connecting to your bank account is suddenly a challenge, it could be a red flag, explains Ross.
"The difficulty of planning or problem solving, [like] difficulty in following a recipe or payment invoices", can be a sign of dementia warning, he said, stressing that "the signs of early alert dementia can be subtle and may vary from person to person. "
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2 You get lost easily.
To get lost in a familiar place or to waste time are both signs of warning that something could happen with your cognition, says Ross.
If you find yourself frequently disoriented, remember to make an appointment with your doctor to find out what's going on. "The most important thing for the patient or worried family and friends is that many causes of cognitive deficiencies and even dementia can be treated," added Albala.
3 Your fingers do not seem to work.
Fine motor skills are affected by dementia, and Ross says that the first thing that a person with dementia at an early stage can notice is that they have trouble attaching their laces or buttoning their shirt.
Although trouble with motor skills are something to be checked by a health practitioner, it is not necessary to panic. "Not all cognitive deficiencies will progress towards the most serious form that of dementia," explains Albala.
4 You can't find the word you're looking for.
We have all turned a word that was on the end of our language a moment ago, but if you find it regularly, it could be a sign that it is time to be assessed for cognitive problems.
"Linguistic difficulties - launching to find the right words or repeat the same words or sentences", are a characteristic of dementia, "explains Ross.
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5 You're in a bad mood.
Again, bad humor is not a sign of dementia - but changes in your usual mood or behavior, such as withdrawing, irritable or anxious, can be, explains Ross. This is one of the reasons why obtaining an early diagnosis can be useful for all those concerned.
"[A diagnosis] provides an explanation of the memory, reflection and behavior changes that have been noticed," explains Ross Better life . "This can be a relief for both the person with dementia and his family, who may have been worried about the cause of these changes."
Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.
