Symptoms of Dementia in Seniors
From LoveToKnow Seniors
The symptoms of dementia in seniors often indicate the presence of other, potentially serious medical conditions. Some underlying conditions can be treated, so it's essential to see a physician as soon as signs associated with dementia begin to appear.
Recognizing Symptoms of Dementia in Seniors
The symptoms most widely associated with dementia are short-term memory loss, slowed or impaired thinking, and a reduction in reasoning skills. Additional symptoms associated with dementia include changes in behavior, unexplained mood swings, and personality changes.
When dementia becomes severe, people often hallucinate, develop aggressive tendencies, and convince themselves that they have participated in activities and events that never occurred. In some cases, the symptoms become so severe that patients become completely dependent on others for mobility and the basic tasks necessary for daily living, such as bathing, going to the restroom, and eating.
What to Look For
During the onset of dementia, the following symptoms are often observed:
- Becoming paranoid
- Difficulty finding words to express oneself
- Discomfort and confusion in surroundings that are not familiar
- Finding routine tasks to be difficult (cooking, writing checks, chores, etc.)
- Forgetting people's names
- Inability to commit new information to memory
- Increased confusion
- Lack of interest in what's going on in the world
- Losing things
- Missing appointments
- Suspicion of the motives of friends and family members
What to Do
When you notice signs of dementia in yourself or in people you love, it's important to seek medical attention right away. In many cases, dementia symptoms and related underlying health problems can be treated if caught soon enough. Whether or not treatment is possible is largely dependent on what factors are contributing to the onset of symptoms. Only a qualified medical professional can make this determination. In the event that there is a treatable problem, early diagnosis is a key to success.
Conditions Associated with Dementia Symptoms
Alzheimer's Disease
The onset of dementia sometimes is sometimes a sign that there many be a neurological disease. Many people assume that observing the symptoms of dementia in seniors automatically means Alzheimer's disease. This is not necessarily the case, but conversely, Alzheimer's is a possibility.
Research indicates that the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in the senior population is increasing, with some studies suggesting that this disease is likely to impact up to half of individuals over the age of 80. The condition is not limited to people over 80. In fact, it can strike individuals who are much younger.
Other Neurological Diseases
While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia symptoms, it is certainly not the only one. Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, for example, also often lead to dementia.
Other Diseases
Many physical diseases that impact the flow of blood through the circulatory system can lead to cognitive impairment symptoms such as those associated with dementia. Patients suffering from heart, kidney, or lung disease, as well as those who experience strokes, commonly exhibit the signs of dementia.
Depression
Clinical depression often manifests in a manner similar to that of dementia. Depression in senior citizens is not uncommon, particularly for those who are dealing with separation from friends and family, financial struggles, forced retirement, and other stressors.
In cases where the symptoms of dementia are brought on by depression, they often go away once proper medical treatment begins. In many cases, anti-depressants and/or psychotherapy can completely eliminate such symptoms. Episodes of dementia-like symptoms often precede bouts of depression in individuals diagnosed with depression who need medication adjustments.
Improper Medication
When people take combinations of medications, they might suffer from dementia-like symptoms because of a reaction to the medicine. When the medication problem is corrected, the symptoms are likely to subside. This is why it's essential for seniors to avoid seeing multiple doctors and having prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies.
Nutritional and Metabolic Imbalances
People who have vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances can exhibit dementia signs, because their bodies and brains are not able to function normally. This often occurs when people are deficient in folate or vitamin B12. When balance is restored, the symptoms usually disappear. This is one of the many reasons why proper nutrition is essential for seniors.
Head Injuries
Patients who experience head injuries often experience dementia symptoms, regardless of their age. In some cases, this can be a temporary side effect of the injury, but in many circumstances, it becomes permanent.
Addiction
People who abuse alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications often exhibit signs of dementia. When the addictive behavior is eliminated, the symptoms typically cease.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
No matter what might be triggering dementia symptoms, it's essential to seek medical help right away. Be completely honest with your physician, as withholding information can prevent a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Depending on your health, it may be best to see a physician who specializes in working with geriatric patients when seeking to determine the cause of the symptoms. While not all conditions associated with dementia can be cured, treatments are available for many of them. The sooner treatment begins, the better chances you have of keeping the symptoms under control for an extended period of time.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,072 times. This page was last modified 12:02, 9 October 2008.
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