While dementia is most common among older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Signs and symptoms of dementia begin to appear when nerve cells, called neurons, stop working.
We all lose a certain number of neurons with aging, but people with dementia lose many more than the average person. So what are the telltale signs and symptoms of dementia?
Memory problems are perhaps the most common early sign of dementia. Virtually everyone has more trouble remembering things as they age. However, these changes are much more drastic in people affected by dementia, and they tend to get steadily worse. Examples of memory problems that go beyond those of normal aging and can be signs and symptoms of dementia include:
Forgetting how to do things you have done for years
Difficulty learning new things
Difficulty making choices or managing money
Repeating stories, phrases, or concepts during the same conversation
Difficulty keeping track of what you have done or what happens each day
Other early signs of dementia can include:
Personality changes
Difficulty with planning/organizing
Challenges with reasoning, problem solving
Anxiety and/or depression
Mood swings
Impaired judgment
Agitation, paranoia or suspiciousness
Language/speech/word retrieval difficulties
Dementia is progressive, which means it generally gets worse over time. As it progresses, the early signs and symptoms listed above tend to become more severe, interfering more and more with daily life. New symptoms can also develop, including:
Poor coordination, motor control
Changes in gait, such as shuffling
Confusion with time or place
Social withdrawal
Lack of interest in favorite activities/hobbies
Poor hygiene, self care
Inappropriate behavior and/or aggression
Incontinence
Difficulty eating and/or swallowing
Hallucinations
It is important to note that while these are some of the more common signs and symptoms of dementia, this disorder is different for each person affected by it. Symptoms also vary to some extent according to the specific type of dementia a person has and its underlying causes.
Finally, if you or a loved one has developed any of the signs and symptoms listed here or any others that you are concerned about, getting a medical exam as soon as possible is essential. Dementia symptoms can be caused by certain medical conditions that may be improved with treatment. Other forms of dementia might not be improved via treatment, but proper care and treatment may be able to slow its progression. For these reasons, early diagnosis and treatment is important to help ensure the best possible outcomes and quality of life for people with dementia.
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