Recognizing the 5 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Available for Interviews: Glenn Matecun.

Glenn R. Metecun, CELA, is certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. Catching the early warning signs of dementia is crucial in helping to get the care your loved one needs.

Talking Points from Glenn Matecun
on Dementia:

Dementia is a term that describes a variety of symptoms affecting a person’s cognitive functioning, including their ability to think, remember, and reason. Different types of dementia affect the brain in different ways, and dementia is progressive, but early detection can greatly improve your loved one’s quality of life. Here are five symptoms to look out for when you are dealing with an older loved one.

1. Memory loss. Different types of dementia results in different types of memory loss. For example, with Alzheimer’s type dementia, many times short-term memory loss is evident (asking the same questions over and over, repeating the same facts, etc.), while the long-term memory stays sharp.

2. Mood changes may occur. Sometimes a person’s personality will become amplified (bossy becomes a true dictator, sweet person becomes excessively sweet, for example). Many times people with dementia recognize they are having some trouble concentrating or remembering, so they’ll become quiet, depressed, or withdrawn.

3. Inability to follow directions. As the brain deteriorates or neural pathways become damaged, people can’t concentrate on certain tasks. They become confused easily and have trouble getting from one place to another without constant guidance.

4. Trouble expressing or understanding speech. Dementia may result in a person having trouble putting together the right words, and also understanding even simple directions given to them. This is called aphasia, and it’s especially common in stroke victims and Alzheimer’s patients.

Avoiding medical care. Many seniors avoid the doctor, even if they are experiencing signs of dementia. Physicians can look at all symptoms and might also perform imaging studies or do other tests to look for signs of damage to the brain.