Dementia is a term used to describe cognitive defects that result from brain damage caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s. Affected individuals experience different symptoms depending on which part of the brain has neural damage. These symptoms affect memory and social abilities, which, if detected early, can facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention. This improves patients’ quality of life. Here are four signs of dementia-related issues and their causes:
Significant Memory Loss
Dementia occurs due to damage to the brain areas responsible for creating and recalling memories. Patients begin to experience short-term memory loss, often forgetting recent conversations or events. One symptom of dementia is frequently misplaced items or forgetting the names of familiar people and objects. Struggling to recognize faces and getting lost in familiar surroundings are other signs of dementia-related memory loss. Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, the memory loss associated with neural damage tends to worsen over time, affecting the patient’s everyday life.
Difficulty with Communication
Communication challenges occur as a patient’s ability to process information grows weaker. Patients might struggle to understand the meaning of frequently used words, making it challenging for them to have conversations. You may find a patient stopping conversations midsentence, unable to find the right words to express themselves. Communication difficulties sometimes present as a loss of normal conversational etiquette, like waiting your turn to speak. This could result in interruptions or failure to respond when addressed. As their communication challenges worsen, individuals might begin to avoid activities that require significant verbal engagement.
Confusion and Disorientation
Dementia-related changes in the brain may affect individuals’ ability to keep track of the passage of time or events, causing disorientation. Individuals may be unable to tell the difference between night and daytime, affecting their routine. Patients may also get lost frequently, not knowing when or how they got there. In advanced stages, patients sometimes walk away from home and be unable to explain why they got out of the house or where they are going. Sometimes, this restlessness indicates that the patient needs something or is trying to get away from an environment where they feel uncomfortable.
Struggling with Routine Tasks
As neural damage to the brain progresses, individuals may find it difficult to perform routine tasks like bathing, writing, or keeping track of appointments. Activities that require planning, organization, and multitasking become overwhelming due to the individual’s cognitive decline. Patients may have difficulty understanding how to use numbers, posing a challenge when shopping. Individuals might also become increasingly disinterested in their daily tasks, particularly when they have challenges completing them.
Contact a Dementia Specialist
Dementia is a complex condition with several symptoms which individuals may confuse for age-related cognitive decline. Recognizing the early signs of dementia-related cognitive issues can help you get timely interventions to slow down the condition’s progression. Timely diagnosis also helps you give your loved one the support they need to navigate the challenges of their condition, maintaining their quality of life. If you are concerned about a loved one’s cognitive issues, consult with an experienced neurologist for an accurate diagnosis.
