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World Alzheimer's Day: Know The Symptoms

Monday, September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day.  This year's theme is "Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner".  Understanding the symptoms could help someone you know get treatment earlier.


As with many illnesses, dementia affects people differently.  No two people will have symptoms that develop in exactly the same way.  There are some symptoms to look out for that are more common though.


Memory Loss: Declining memory, especially short term memory, it the most common early symptom of dementia.  People with ordinary forgetfulness can still remember other facts associated with the thing they have forgotten.  So, they may briefly forget their neighbor's name, but they still know the person they are talking to is their neighbor.  Someone with dementia will forget their neighbor's name and the context.


Difficulty performing familiar tasks:  People with dementia often struggle with completing every day tasks that are so familiar we usually don't have to think about how to do them.  Tasks like getting dressed or preparing a meal.


Language Problems: Forgetting simple words or substituting unusual words is also another sign.


Poor or decreased judgement: For example, people with dementia may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or few on a cold day.


Problems keeping track of things: A person with dementia my have a difficult time following a conversation or keeping up with paying their bills.

Source: www.alz.co.uk/