What are the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia?

Posted: November 21, 2016, 10:36AM

President Barack Obama declared November 2016 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Millions of people are living with dementia and the numbers will increase as our population ages. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, and impacts the individual with dementia, their families, employers, and the health care system.

Early detection is a key to planning a course of action. What is the diagnosis? Is it treatable? Reversible? Do advance directives such as powers of attorney, living wills or final wills need to be arranged?

Are you or your loved one experiencing the following? Review these warning signs, make note of concerns, and discuss the issues with your physician.

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is forgetting recently learned information. Other signs include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and relying on others for things they used to handle on their own. It is typical to forget names or appointments but remember them later.

2. Are there problems with planning or solving problems? Executive function is impaired which impacts our abilty to develop or follow a plan, work with numbers (such as balancing a checkbook or keeping track of monthly bills), or follow a recipe. Difficulty concentrating or taking much longer to complete tasks are also things to be aware of.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. There may be problems driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or using familiar devices.

4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer's can lose track of time, seasons, dates and the passage of time. They may forget where they are or how they got there. They may believe the current date is many years in the past.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. The person may have difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast. They may walk past a mirror and think someone else is in the room, not recognizing their own reflection.

6. Problems with words in speaking or writing. There may be problems following a conversation, stopping in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue. They may repeat themselves. There may be problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.

7. Misplacing things and not having the ability to retrace their steps. Items are often put in unusual places. The person may accuse others of stealing.

8. Poor judgment. People with dementia may use poor judgment in dealing with money. (They can be at increased risk for scams and being taken advantage of by telemarketers. Personal hygiene and grooming may decline.

9. Social withdrawal. The person may start to withdraw from social activities or work activities.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The person may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious, and/or become easily upset when they are outside their comfort zone.

If you see these things happening with yourself or a loved one, consult your primary care physician. Make notes of concerns and take the list with you. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and planning.