Typical Signs of Dementia

Dementia is a condition that can be found in older adults or those who have suffered head injuries or chronic illnesses. Some diseases, like Alzheimer’s or brain injuries affecting different regions of the brain, can cause symptoms of dementia. Let’s explore the typical signs of dementia in the following article.

1. What is Dementia? Why Do We Get It?

Dementia is a syndrome related to brain pathology that is becoming increasingly common. It significantly affects higher brain functions such as memory, thinking, orientation, language comprehension, and judgment in both learning and social contexts, even though the patient’s consciousness remains unaffected. These impairments often progress over time and are challenging to recover from, leading to a significant decline in cognitive abilities and daily functioning.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 35.6 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, most of whom are from low- and middle-income countries. This number is expected to double to 65.7 million by 2030 and more than triple to 115.4 million by 2050.

As we age, our neurons begin to deteriorate and lose function, which can lead to cognitive decline or dementia. Additionally, dementia can result from other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or brain injuries affecting various brain regions. Some types of dementia due to pathology or health conditions include:

• Age-related dementia
• Dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia

2. Common Signs of Dementia

Dementia can have various symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Below are the common signs of dementia and related conditions.

2.1. General Signs of Dementia

The signs of dementia often begin with varying symptoms depending on the type of dementia, and each individual may display unique manifestations. However, some initial common symptoms may appear before a dementia diagnosis, including:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Challenges in performing daily tasks, such as confusion when giving change while shopping
• Difficulty finding appropriate words during conversations
• Disorientation regarding time and place
• Frequent mood changes

These symptoms are usually mild and can gradually become more severe. The term “Mild Cognitive Impairment” (MCI) is often used to describe symptoms not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.

2.2. Signs of Dementia Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a primary cause of dementia, particularly in older adults. Here are some memory decline signs associated with Alzheimer’s:

• Problems with memory, such as forgetting recent events, names, or faces
• Repeatedly asking the same questions
• Difficulty with tasks that require organization and planning
• Confusion in new environments
• Difficulty finding the right words
• Trouble with numbers or handling money in stores
• Becoming withdrawn or experiencing increased anxiety

2.3. Signs of Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s. Some people may even have both types, often referred to as “mixed dementia.” The symptoms of vascular dementia are similar to Alzheimer’s but can develop more suddenly, including:

• Stroke-like symptoms such as muscle weakness or temporary paralysis
• Movement problems, difficulty walking, or changes in gait
• Issues with thinking, planning, and attention
• Mood changes, depression, or emotional instability

2.4. Signs of Lewy Body Dementia

This type of dementia shares many symptoms with Alzheimer’s, but patients often experience the following characteristic signs:

• Fluctuations between alertness and drowsiness or confusion
• Visual hallucinations
• Slow movements
• Frequent falls or fainting
• Sleep disturbances

2.5. Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is more common in people under 65. Initial signs include:

• Changes in personality, reduced sensitivity to others’ emotions
• Lack of social awareness, inappropriate or tactless behavior
• Language problems, difficulty finding or understanding words
• Becoming obsessed with specific interests or overeating

2.6. Signs of Advanced Dementia

As dementia progresses, memory and communication abilities decline severely, leading to issues such as:

• Failure to recognize loved ones, inability to remember one’s living place
• Loss of the ability to speak or communicate
• Inability to move without assistance
• Behavioral changes, agitation, depression, anxiety, or hallucinations
• Urinary incontinence
• Eating problems, which can lead to choking and other health issues

When encountering signs of dementia, self-treatment is nearly impossible. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor or visit the nearest healthcare center for accurate advice. However, one can improve health by eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient rest, and avoiding stress. Additionally, supplementing missing micronutrients in the daily diet can effectively reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory loss.