Recognizing dementia

Dementia Broad awareness continued…

How do we recognize dementia: According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer's and other types of dementia based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behavior associated with each type. If you or your loved one is experiencing memory problems, don’t immediately conclude that it’s dementia. A person needs to have at least two types of impairment that significantly interfere with everyday life to receive a dementia diagnosis. In addition to difficulty remembering, the person may also experience impairments in language, communication, focus and reasoning. 

Early warning signs include: Subtle short-term memory changes, Difficulty finding the right words, Changes in mood, Apathy, Difficulty completing normal tasks, Confusion, Difficulty following storylines, A failing sense of direction, Being repetitive and Struggling to adapt to change.