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Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms that signal the onset of dementia are usually subtle and
may not be noticeable for a number of years. In fact, earlier signs
usually are identified in retrospect, and often by someone other
than the patient. Most people think of memory loss as the central
symptom in dementia. While most dementias affect memory, some forms
of dementia do not initially involve memory loss. Other areas that
may be affected include language, perceptual skills, reasoning,
and personality. This is especially true in individuals whose symptoms
begin before age 65.
Ten Warning Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
- Memory Loss That Affects Job Skills
It's normal to occasionally forget assignments, colleagues' names,
or a business associate's telephone number and remember them later.
Those with a dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, may forget
things more often and not remember them later.
- Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may
leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them
at the end of the meal. People with Alzheimer's disease could
prepare a meal and not only forget to serve it but also forget
they made it.
- Problems with Language
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person
with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute
inappropriate words, making his or her sentence incomprehensible.
- Disorientation of Time and Place
It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination
for a moment. But people with Alzheimer's disease can become lost
on their own street, not knowing where they are, how they got
there or how to get back home.
- Poor or Impaired Judgment
People can become so immersed in an activity that they temporarily
forget the child they're watching. People with Alzheimer's disease
could forget entirely the child under their care. They also may
dress inappropriately, wearing several shirts or blouses.
- Problems with Abstract Thinking
Balancing a checkbook may be disconcerting when the task is more
complicated than usual. Someone with Alzheimer's disease could
forget completely what the numbers are and what needs to be done
with them.
- Misplacing Things
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with
Alzheimer's disease may put things in inappropriate places: an
iron in the freezer, or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
- Changes in Mood or Behavior
Everyone becomes sad or moody occasionally. Someone with Alzheimer's
disease can exhibit rapid mood swings (from calm to tears to anger)
for no apparent reason.
- Changes in Personality
People's personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age. But
a person with Alzheimer's disease can show drastic personality
changes, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, or fearful.
- Loss of Initiative
It's normal to tire of housework, business activities, or social
obligations, but most people regain their initiative. The person
with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive and require cues
and prompting to become involved.
[These warning signs were taken from publications of the National
Alzheimer's Association.]
The informaton on this page is for reference and educational
purposes. There is no substitute for seeing your doctor.
Related Information
What is dementia?
Who gets Alzheimer's disease?
Making a diagnosis
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Other Disorders
Frontal Lobe Dementia
News
in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Alzheimer's Forum
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