Signs & Symptoms of Dementiaby Carole Klingler, BSN, RN, CDP and CEO of LIFE
Cognition is defined as the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses. Dementia is a syndrome made up of the signs and symptoms that often lead to a specific diagnosis of a cognitive deficit. Examples include a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, or Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementias. Some sources report that there could be more than 50 different reasons for a cognitive decline. Early detection is important in evaluating and supporting a person with cognitive decline and dementia. (Continue reading below the box.) |
Carole Klingler with a therapy doll
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Early Signs
Simple Tasks Become More Challenging
Signs and symptoms usually impact a person’s ability to function in daily situations.
What once seemed to be a simple task might now appear complex. Often the inability to manage finances is a key indicator. Getting lost in familiar locations and losing the ability to retrace one’s steps is another sign that something is not right.
Negative behaviors, such as agitation and frustration, can indicate that a person is feeling overwhelmed or
having difficulty keeping up with conversations. Often a person will withdraw from activities and might
show signs of depression.
Anxiety might be another indicator, especially when it involves problem solving for simple issues. For example, if someone cannot find their glasses but they have multiple pairs and can use another pair, they might become obsessed and panicked to find the one they misplaced.
Demonstrating poor judgment or having impulsive behaviors can be another early indicator.
Appearing to not care or becoming apathetic is another indicator.
Changes in mood or behaviors that are not typical for an individual should warrant a medical work-up
to assess cognition.
What once seemed to be a simple task might now appear complex. Often the inability to manage finances is a key indicator. Getting lost in familiar locations and losing the ability to retrace one’s steps is another sign that something is not right.
Negative behaviors, such as agitation and frustration, can indicate that a person is feeling overwhelmed or
having difficulty keeping up with conversations. Often a person will withdraw from activities and might
show signs of depression.
Anxiety might be another indicator, especially when it involves problem solving for simple issues. For example, if someone cannot find their glasses but they have multiple pairs and can use another pair, they might become obsessed and panicked to find the one they misplaced.
Demonstrating poor judgment or having impulsive behaviors can be another early indicator.
Appearing to not care or becoming apathetic is another indicator.
Changes in mood or behaviors that are not typical for an individual should warrant a medical work-up
to assess cognition.