Download Are there different warning signs of dementia?

Dementia Signs
Dementia Signs
Determining whether a person may have dementia is a
task for a medical doctor. Even then, physicians aren’t
completely able to make a diagnosis as a firm diagnosis is
normally done at autopsy. Some recent testing methods,
such as the PET scan, are allowing physicians to make
educated guesses if dementia is present and what type of
dementia a person may have.
For the caregiver, there are some signs of dementia that
should cause concern and push you to schedule your
loved one for an appointment with your medical doctor,
neurologist or even psychiatrist. The top ten warning
signs of dementia include:
1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty performing tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Change in mood or behavior
9. Personality changes
10. Loss of initiation
The Three Main Stages of Dementia
An individual’s experience with dementia depends greatly
upon his/her age of onset, the amount and quality of care
available, and the presence of other illnesses. What
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Dementia Signs
happens to one patient with dementia will not necessarily
happen to another. However, most health care
professionals agree on three main stages of dementia – the
early or mild stage; the middle or moderate stage; and
the late or severe stage.
The Early or Mild Stage of Dementia
Dementia is the early or mild stage can be very confusing
to caregivers. If you are a dementia caregiver and you've
told yourself, "It's really just forgetfulness", you are not
alone. Those who are dealing with the mild or first stages
of dementia in a loved one can find themselves in denial
very easily. That feeling along with a number of others,
are very common in caregivers of persons in the early
stages of dementia.
Cognitive issues are common in someone in the early or
mild stages of dementia and involve changes in how
information is processed in the brain. You might notice
things such as:
Problems with recall of events
 Calculation or judgment abilities
 Word finding issues
 Lack of insight

The Middle or Moderate Stage of Dementia
During the middle or moderate stage of dementia
individuals may experience significant gaps in memory
and assistance with daily activities may become
increasingly apparent.
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Commons symptoms of middle or moderate dementia
include:
 Inability to recall personal information such as
phone number or address
 Needing assistance choosing appropriate clothing
 Have trouble remembering the day of the week or
the month
It is important to know that many people with middle or
moderate stage dementia can still recognize and identify
family members and have little to no trouble with
toileting or eating.
The Late or Severe Stage of Dementia
Dementia is the late or severe stage is characterized by a
progressive loss of abilities such as speaking and
communicating; chewing and swallowing; and
recognition of loved ones. Late or severe dementia is
often the most difficult stage of Alzheimer’s disease for
family members to cope with. The goal is to keep an
individual with end stage dementia comfortable, while
preserving his/her dignity.
Late or severe stage dementia results in the brain no
longer being able to support a person’s bodily functions.
This failure to thrive ultimately leads to the passing away
of the individual with the disease.
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Dementia Signs
What to Do Next If You Suspect Dementia
Consult your physician if you have suspicions that you or
a loved one is experiencing any of the signs of dementia.
Early diagnosis leads to better quality of life and more
time to plan for what is ahead.
When visiting the doctor bring a list of the symptoms you
have noticed; a list of current medications; and a
description of current and past medical problems.
Effective and open communication with your loved one’s
physician is essential when seeking a diagnosis of
dementia.
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