Warning Signs of Dementia

Gone is the day when it was assumed that "senility" was a component of aging. It is now generally accepted that while aging may cause some mild memory changes and mental slowing, a large loss of mental functions is abnormal. Significant memory loss is a frequent sign of dementia, but other thinkings skills such as judgment and problem-solving ability are are also affected. If you are concerned about changes in your ability to think, to remember, or to concentrate, ask yourself the following questions:

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1. Do you forget things more often and find yourself unable to recall the information later? Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of Alzheimer's disease. However, forgetting things occassionally is normal.
2. Do you have difficulty planning or completing everyday tasks? Do you lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a phone call or playing a game? Difficulty performing familiar tasks can be related to dementia, although it is normal to occassionally forget what you planned to say or why you came into a room.
3. Do you often forget simple words or substitute unusual words? Is your speech or writing hard to understand? Problems with language are a common symptom of Alzheimer's dementia. People with dementia may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth," although all of us sometimes have difficulty remembering the word we want to use.
4. Do you ever get lost in your own neighborhood, forgetting where you are and how you got there? Have you ever been unable to find your way back home? Disorientation to time and place is common in dementia, although it should be noted that all of us sometimes forget where we are going.
5. Has anyone told you lately that you dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold? Do you ever show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers? Poor or decreased judgment is seen with dementia. It is normal though, to make a questionable decision from time to time.
6. Do you ever have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used? Problems with abstract thinking can be seen with dementia, although we all have trouble balancing a checkbook from time to time.
7. Do you put things in unusual places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl? Temporarily misplacing things is normal, but permanently losing items or placing them in odd places is somewhat questionable.
8. Do you experience rapid mood swings, from calm to tears to anger, for no apparent reason? Changes in mood, behavior, or personality can be an early symptom of dementia. The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. It is normal to occassionally feel sad or moody.
9. Have you become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member? We all change somewhat as we age, but the personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically.
10. Have you become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual? Have you lost interest in your usual activities? We all feel weary at times from work or social obligagtions, but a loss of initiative can be a symptom of dementia.

Adapted from:
"Do you know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia?"
The Alzheimer's Association website: www.alz.org

If you answered yes to any of these questions and are concerned about changes in your memory or your behavior, call me at (805) 988-6197 to discuss whether or not a neuropsychological assessment might be an appropriate way to address your concerns.

Dementia can easily go unrecognized in primary care. However, a neuropsychologist can reliably establish whether or not your forgetfulness is related to normal aging or dementia.

An early diagnosis of dementia means you can take advantage of medical treatment that might slow the progression of the disease. It also allows you to plan for the future while you still have the capacity to make important decisions about your life.