Dementia is a group of symptoms that severely affect one’s memory, thinking, and social skills. The condition is characterized by a decline in psychological function that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the main reason for dementia in older adults. Though memory loss is a common symptom in most dementia patients, it is not the only warning sign. Understanding the various causes and symptoms of dementia helps in an early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

Some early warning signs of dementia include-

1. Experiencing difficulties in recalling recent events or information
2. Repeating comments or inquiries within a brief timeframe
3. Misplacing frequently used objects or putting them in unusual places
4. A lack of awareness regarding the current season, year, or month
5. Facing difficulty in finding the appropriate words
6. Undergoing alterations in mood, behavior, or areas of interest

Over time, the condition will worsen. Some warning signs of advanced dementia include-

1. Your cognitive abilities, including memory and decision-making, continue to decline.
2. Expressing ideas verbally and finding appropriate words becomes increasingly challenging.
3. Engaging in daily tasks, such as oral hygiene, preparing beverages, operating remote controls, cooking, and managing finances, becomes more challenging.
4. Decreased rational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and behavioral control
5. Changes in sleep patterns become noticeable.
6. Intensified feelings of anxiety, frustration, confusion, restlessness, suspicion, or sadness
7. Depending more on assistance for basic daily activities, including grooming, using the toilet, bathing, and eating
8. Experiencing hallucinations

Though these are some warning signs that indicate dementia, every person with the condition might experience different symptoms, depending on the brain area that suffered damage.

Causes

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 60-80% of dementia cases. However, it may also stem from brain tumors, stroke, head injuries, and many other factors. For instance, a stroke might prevent oxygen and blood from reaching the brain cells, resulting in brain cell damage and cell death. An injury to the head might also damage brain cells directly. Some forms of traumatic brain injury, especially if repetitive, like in some sports, might also increase your risk of developing dementia later in life. Some other conditions and factors that mimic dementia-like symptoms are as follows-

1. Vitamin B12 deficiency
2. Infections like neurosyphilis
3. Thyroid issues
4. Vitamin E deficiency

Treatment

Treatment for dementia mostly depends on its underlying cause. For instance, neurodegenerative dementias, such as Alzheimer’s, have no cure. However, health experts may suggest some remedies to protect the brain and manage signs such as behavioral changes or anxiety. Furthermore, leading a healthy lifestyle, which involves maintaining social contacts, eating healthy, and being physically active, can also lower the risk of developing dementia. Beyond this, some therapies can also help lower dementia symptoms and alleviate some complications associated with the condition. A few such treatments include-

1. Making changes to your environment – Making some adjustments in your surroundings can help. Minimizing noise, clutter, and overstimulation can improve focus and concentration.
2. Adjusting routine tasks – A healthcare professional or a therapist can aid in breaking down daily activities, such as personal grooming and hygiene, into manageable tasks.
3. Occupational therapy – Health experts like occupational therapists can offer guidance on improving confidence and safety in activities such as driving, culinary skills, and walking.