Dementia: A Progressive Disease with Devastating Effects
Dementia is a group of conditions that cause changes in your memory and thinking abilities. It is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells in your brain. Symptoms can start in the mildest stages, but get worse over time. The disease can eventually result in death if left untreated.
Early Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs
Some of the most common symptoms are trouble with memory, difficulty communicating thoughts and a change in personality. A person with dementia may forget their name, how to use the telephone or what they had for breakfast. They might also have a difficult time with tasks they once enjoyed, such as driving.
It's normal for people to forget a few things here and there, but if the number of lapses gets worse over time, it's important to have an evaluation by a doctor. Your doctor will perform a series of tests to make sure that your memory problems aren't caused by another illness.
They will look for signs of a stroke, tumors or fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus). They will also order laboratory tests to check for infection, inflammation and vitamin deficiencies. They might order a special type of brain scan called an FDG-PET scan, which uses glucose to determine how your brain works.
Your doctor will also do a physical exam, talk to you about your past medical history and test your memory. Your doctor will ask you to do simple tasks, such as draw a clock face and write the numbers. If you can't do these tasks within 3 minutes, they will consider dementia a possible diagnosis.
The First Symptom: Memory Loss
The first symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia is a loss of memory. A person with dementia may forget appointments, the names of people they know or even their own family members' phone numbers. They might also forget things they learned recently, such as a favorite song or recipe.
A person's memory can also be affected by medications, which can make it hard for them to remember new information. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about all of the medication you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and sedatives that can help you sleep.
You can do activities to help keep your mind sharp and decrease your risk of developing dementia, such as reading, playing word games and puzzles and taking part in mental stimulation. You can also stay physically active, as a regular exercise program is linked to a lower risk of dementia.
It's also important to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. They are known to increase the risk of dementia and other health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
If you have any of these risk factors, you should seek medical attention immediately. You can do so through your doctor or the Alzheimer's Association, which provides resources and support.
The Most Severe Stages: Loss of Independence
In the most severe stages, a person with dementia may not be able to speak or walk and will have lost their ability to care for themselves. They will spend most of their time in bed and cannot function well. They will need constant supervision and support.
