Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect approximately 50 million individuals worldwide, and early diagnoses can dramatically improve treatment options and outcomes. Family members should consider the following criteria to discern whether a loved one is experiencing age-related symptoms or signs of dementia.
First, memory loss that interferes with daily life may indicate dementia or Alzheimer’s. While everyone occasionally forgets a phone number or name, someone with dementia forgets to the degree that affects daily abilities. They may also forget things they just learned or forget something, then recall it a short time later.
Next, someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may experience problems with language. Beyond struggling to find the correct word, they may forget simple words or be unable to make their meaning understood. Often, they begin a thought and must stop in the middle of the conversation, confused about how to continue.
An inability to perform familiar daily tasks may indicate dementia rather than typical age-related decline. For example, a simple task such as eating a meal becomes difficult to complete, or a senior may forget the rules of a card game they have played thousands of times.
Loved ones should pay attention if an adult seems confused about time and place. Individuals with Alzheimer’s may forget what day of the week or may become disoriented even within their neighborhood. Additionally, they may not understand something that is not happening immediately.
In addition to spatial and temporal confusion, Alzheimer’s can cause impaired judgment. Everyone makes a poor choice occasionally, but a person with dementia may display a frequent propensity for questionable decision-making. This may be something insignificant such as failing to water plants, or something more dangerous such as walking outside barefoot in the snow. They may also fall prey to financial scams.
Abstract thinking may present a problem for someone in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Numbers can be particularly difficult, rendering a previously familiar task such as balancing a checkbook impossible. They may also misplace things and/or lose the ability to retrace their steps to find them. In such cases, they may accuse someone of stealing from them.
Aging can naturally involve subtle changes in mood and behavior. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s may cause sudden and dramatic mood swings and striking personality changes. A friendly adult may quickly become suspicious or withdrawn or experience irrational anger when a routine is interrupted. People with Alzheimer’s and dementia tend to experience these mood changes without apparent explanation.
Along with personality changes, a person with Alzheimer’s may lose motivation or initiative. They may lose interest in beloved hobbies and isolate themselves from loved ones. They may require frequent prompting and encouragement to get involved.
If several of these symptoms are apparent, family members should visit a physician for a potential diagnosis. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical history, conduct mental status tests and physical and neurological exams, and potentially utilize brain imaging to gauge the patient’s status. Then, they can work with the family to create an effective treatment plan.
