It is estimated that in 2020, nearly 7 million Americans had been diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterized by impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. People with dementia may have trouble with everyday activities such as shopping or cooking. They may also have mood changes and problems with language.
Dementia is caused by damage to the brain. This can be from disease, injury, or other conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing dementia. Treatment depends on the type of dementia and how severe it is. There is no cure for dementia, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and help people live well with the condition.
Common Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability due to old age, disease, or injury. Dementia affects people of all ages but is most common in older adults. There are many symptoms of dementia, but the most common signs include:
1. Memory loss – Memory loss is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of dementia. This can include forgetting recent events, conversations, appointments, or even people’s names.
2. Difficulty communicating – People with dementia may have trouble finding the right words to say, or they may repeat themselves often. As the disease progresses, they may become withdrawn and no longer participate in conversations.
3. Confusion and disorientation – Confusion and disorientation often go hand-in-hand with memory loss; someone with dementia may get lost easily or have trouble keeping track of time.
4. Difficulty Concentrating – One early sign of dementia is difficulty concentrating. This can manifest as an inability to focus on tasks, or even as short-term memory loss. They may also find it difficult to follow a conversation.
5. Changes in mood and personality – Another common sign of dementia is changes in mood and personality. This can include depression, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and social withdrawal.
6. Difficulty reasoning – Those with dementia may have trouble understanding concepts, following directions, or making decisions.
7. Loss of Motor Function – People with dementia often experience loss of motor function. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including difficulty in walking, poor coordination, and tremors.
8. Difficulty performing complex task – Dementia can make it hard to remember how to do things that were once second nature, such as cooking a meal or using the restroom. They may also have problems with executive functioning skills such as planning and organization.
If you notice any of these changes in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Who Is This Dementia Quiz For?
If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, this quiz can help give you a better idea.
This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool. A diagnosis is made after a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. However, taking this quiz can give you a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of dementia.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
