Dementia describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, social abilities, and thought processes.
Though memory loss is the most recognized symptom for dementia, it alone is not always an indication of the condition. Depending on the type and cause of the dementia, the specific symptoms will vary from person to person. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that are commonly found among patients.
Cognitive Changes
Symptoms related to cognition will include things that affect mental action and the ability to understand and acquire knowledge through thought, experiences, and senses. People who suffer from dementia will typically experience several cognitive changes. The most common symptom is memory loss. This can include problems with short-term memory, keeping track of common objects like a keys or a purse, paying bills, remembering appointments, and traveling outside of familiar places. Other common symptoms can include:
- Disorientation
- Failure to find the words to communicate effectively
- Problems with complex tasks, such as organizing and planning
- Difficulties with motor functions
- Loss of coordination
Psychological Changes
Dementia can also greatly affect the mental and emotional state of a person. Besides the most common signs of dementia, there are other psychological changes that can occur with this condition. These include:
- Paranoia
- Inappropriate behavior
- Agitation
- Inability to reason
- Hallucinations
- General personality changes
Most forms of dementia are progressive, meaning that the symptoms will start out mild and then gradually get worse over time. This is why early diagnosis is beneficial, as medication can sometimes slow the deterioration of the mind. Additionally, there are some conditions that cause dementia that are treatable. If these underlying conditions are diagnosed early enough and the correct treatment is provided, the dementia symptoms can sometimes be reversed.
Diagnosing Symptoms
Since there are so many potential causes for dementia, sometimes it can be difficult to determine which underlying condition is causing the symptoms. Therefore, it will generally require several appointments and tests to narrow down what the exact diagnosis is. There are different tests that are performed by doctors to evaluate brain functioning.
- Cognitive and neuropsychological tests: Initially, the doctor will normally order tests that are designed to evaluate cognitive thinking. These tests will measure skills like orientation, reasoning, judgment, memory, language skills, and attention.
- Neurological evaluation: These tests are geared more towards movement, balance, reflexes, and senses. Sometimes other physical conditions can be detected through neurological evaluations.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests are useful for ruling out other, unrelated conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms. For example, vitamin B-12 deficiency and thyroid problems can be detected through a blood test.
- Brain scans: CTs and MRIs are used to check for evidence of brain tumors, stroke, or bleeding in the brain.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Your doctor may recommend that a mental health specialist meet with you to determine if a psychological condition such as depression might be causing your symptoms.
In conjunction with these tests and reviewing your medical history and specific symptoms, a doctor is usually able to determine the exact cause of your dementia symptoms.
