Doctors say an early diagnosis of dementia can lead to better treatment – so it’s important to know the signs when you see them. “Globally, more than 55 million people are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia, and this number is expected to reach 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050,” Says Andrew E. Bodson, MD. “There just aren’t enough neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists and other specialists to diagnose these people with cognitive decline and dementia. Here are the most common signs of dementia to look out for, according to doctors. Read on – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these things Clear signs you already have COVID.
While some forms of memory loss — for example, forgetting where you left your keys — aren’t cause for concern, dramatic changes in memory can be a sign of dementia. “It’s important for me, when I try to understand the person I see at the clinic, to know where they come from.” Says Samantha Holden, MD. “What is your baseline? Has there been a change or regression in your thinking and memory? This doesn’t mean there has always been a disability – like a learning disability – but this person was fine before and now they are not.
Confusion is one of the first signs of dementia and may not go away right away. “Confusion is a common problem in people over the age of 65,” according to a medical research article published in American family doctor. “The decline in normal cognitive abilities can be acute or chronic and progressive. In older people, confusion is more likely to be a symptom of delirium or dementia, although it can also be associated with psychosis and emotional disturbances, especially major depression.
Sleep disorder is closely linked to dementia, with some people showing symptoms years before diagnosis. “We can diagnose a sleep disorder through a sleep study. There is a high probability that someone with this disorder has Lewy body dementia (dementia with Lewy bodies) or Parkinson’s disease,” he said. Neurologist James Lives, MD, says:. “A lot of times when someone comes in for an assessment and we ask about sleep disturbances, the partner says, ‘Oh, they’ve been doing this for years. “
Doctors warn that dementia can cause people to see things that aren’t there. “It becomes problematic when people start believing their visual hallucinations are real.” dr lives says. “If they call the police or they can’t sleep because they’re scared, maybe we need to manage those symptoms.”
Loss of the ability to understand a joke can be an early symptom of dementia. “If you find your sense of humor has changed drastically, it may be worth seeing a doctor,” he said. Katie Buckring, director of information services at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says.