THERE is a tongue in cheek saying: “Of all that I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most!”
This saying rings true for those suffering the effects of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s Disorder.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.
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Livewell Estates, a specialist family of dementia and Alzheimer’s care facilities shared these 10 warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on a variety of aides like reminder notes or electronic devices or even family members, to keep in mind things they previously handled on their own.
2. Challenges solving problems or planning
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. An example of this is making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook, or being unable to plan the day in a diary.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks, even in their own homes or a place of work they know well. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game. Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show would be an example of this.
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4. Confusion with time or place
People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. Vision changes related to cataracts are often the first physical signs in many people.
6. New problems with speaking or writing
People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
7. Misplacing things
A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from social activities
A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. Sometimes describing themselves as feeling weary of work, family and social obligations is the first sign of age related symptoms of this.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change drastically. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
How to get help
This list is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional, and if you or someone you know and love experience the warning signs it is highly advised that they see a general practitioner.
As with most medical conditions, early diagnosis is important in terms of treatment.
Support is also available from Alzheimer’s SA NPC.
For more information follow the organisation’s KZN facebook page or contact the office on weekday mornings on 031 702 8811, 031 702 4321 or email socialworkerkzn@alzheimers.org.za
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