As I have said in earlier posts, my friend has been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and is starting to show a decline in his ability to function. Dementia is a term that describes a variety of symptoms affecting a person's cognitive functioning, including their ability to think, remember, and reason. Dementia occurs when nerve cells in a person's brain stop working. Although it typically happens in older people, it is not an inevitable part of ageing. The brain's natural deterioration happens to everyone as they grow older, but it occurs more quickly in people with dementia. Dementia tends to get worse over time, and there are a few key early warning signs.
There are 10 typical early signs of dementia. Here are the last five, For a person to receive a diagnosis, they would usually experience two or more of these symptoms, and the symptoms would be severe enough to interfere with their daily life.
6. Problems speaking or writing
Handwriting may become less legible as dementia progresses. A person with dementia may find it hard to engage in conversations. They may forget what they are saying or what somebody else has said. It can be difficult to enter a conversation. People may also find their spelling, punctuation, and grammar get worse. Some people's handwriting becomes more difficult to read.
7. Misplacing things
A person with dementia may not be able to remember where they leave everyday objects, such as a remote control, important documents, cash, or their keys. Misplacing possessions can be frustrating and may mean they accuse other people of stealing.
8. Poor judgment or decision-making
It can be hard for someone with dementia to understand what is fair and reasonable. This may mean they pay too much for things, or become easily sure about buying things they do not need. Some people with dementia also pay less attention to keeping themselves clean and presentable.
9. Withdrawal from socializing
A person with dementia may become uninterested in socializing with other people, whether in their home life or at work. They may become withdrawn and not talk to others, or not pay attention when others are speaking to them. They may stop doing hobbies or sports that involve other people.
10. Changes in personality or mood
A person with dementia may experience mood swings or personality changes. For example, they may become irritable, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may also become more disinhibited or act inappropriately.
When to see a doctor
A person who experiences any of these symptoms or notices them in a loved one should speak to a medical professional. According to the Alzheimer's Association, it is a myth that cognitive functioning always gets worse as a person gets older. Signs of cognitive decline may be dementia or another illness for which doctors can provide support.
Although there is no cure for dementia yet, a doctor can help slow the progression of the disease and ease the symptoms, and so improve a person's quality of life.
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