Dementia can be a difficult diagnosis to come to terms with, both for the patient and their loved ones. It is the progressive and persistent loss of a person’s cognitive ability. It impairs the person’s memory and ability to think or make decisions. According to the CDC, approximately 5.8 million people in the country are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Most dementia patients are aged 65 years and older.

Dementia early signs and symptoms
Here are a few early signs and symptoms of dementia:

1. Subtle changes in memory
Subtle changes in a person’s memory or an inability to remember some things can be an early sign of dementia. Most frequently, these changes are associated with short-term memory. Patients with dementia might not be able to remember what they were doing an hour ago, but they will be able to recollect memories from years ago perfectly.

2. Apathy
Listlessness is also a common sign of dementia. Patients can gradually lose interest in their hobbies or work they formerly enjoyed. Having fun might not be the same interesting activity or something they want to do anymore.

3. Confusion
Confusion is a classic symptom of dementia. It causes people to find it difficult to recognize who they are talking to, where they are, place faces, or remember the day or month. They can have difficulty remembering their plans for the next day, people they recently spoke to, or where they put their keys.

4. Difficulty following storylines
An early hallmark sign of dementia is an individual’s inability to follow storylines. This classic symptom can mean the patient will forget the meaning of some words, irrespective of how often they use them. This confusion can carry on to the patient’s inability to follow the storyline of the shoe or movie they are watching.

5. Failing sense of direction
With declining cognitive ability, the patients also experience a decline in their spatial perception and sense of direction. They might often forget the directions or paths they are used to. Patients might find it hard to identify landmarks they often come across in their daily lives. Dementia can also make it difficult for people to follow step-by-step instructions or go along with the directions they receive.

6. Repetition
Patients with dementia tend to repeat actions, stories, conversations, and questions. They can brush their teeth or have breakfast multiple times because they cannot remember having already done so. This causes them to repeatedly tell a story or ask people the same questions when speaking to them.

7. Difficulty with change
Living with dementia can be a fearful experience for the patient. They are faced with a time when they cannot identify the people they are living with. Sometimes, they might even find it difficult to follow what is being said. Some patients might forget why they entered a particular room, made the trek to the grocery store, or lost their way home. This can make them afraid of changes or anything that causes deviation from routine. Trying out new things can scare them more. It is important to consider a person’s inability to adapt well to any changes as a warning sign of dementia.

8. Poor judgment
A sign of cognitive decline is the inability to make sound decisions. The condition might make it difficult for individuals to identify dangerous situations. For example, a patient might head out in the snow while wearing clothes appropriate for summer. They might miss cues that let them identify when it is safe to touch a hot dish, cross the street, and immerse themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

Stages of dementia
A common global scale is used. It helps doctors assess the patient’s memory loss and its progression. There are seven different stages of dementia. The Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia identifies the stages as follows:

• No cognitive decline
• Very mild cognitive decline
• Mild cognitive decline
• Early-stage, moderate cognitive decline
• Mid-stage, moderately severe dementia
• Mid-stage, severe dementia
• Late-stage, very severe dementia

Doctors use a series of tests and tools to help with diagnoses. They may perform neurological exams, scans, brain imaging, cognitive and behavioral assessments, and some blood tests. They also consider the medical history of the patients and their families. Testing for blood pressure, cerebrospinal fluid, blood sugar levels, and others is performed to find out if a preexisting underlying condition is causing the symptoms and if it can be treated.

Causes of dementia
The common cause of dementia is believed to be damage to brain cells, which hinders the normal passage of messages between these cells. Some underlying health conditions can also lead to dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, Huntington’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Remedies for patients
There is no specific remedy that can help reverse or improve the condition of a dementia patient. However, some things have shown some promise in terms of prevention, delayed onset, and better management of the condition. These include healthy and balanced meal choices, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management practices, and indulging in activities that challenge the brain. Alternatives include acupuncture, aromatherapy, music therapy, and massage.