Symptoms of dementia can include, among other things, memory, communication, and thought impairment. For a variety of reasons/diseases, a collection of symptoms can occur that may possibly point to dementia. What affects numerous individuals today may also be Alzheimer’s. What are the symptoms of both and when should you be concerned enough to schedule an appointment with a physician?
Dementia – What Are The Symptoms?
A study found that by 71 years of age or older, approximately 13.9% suffer from some type of dementia. It’s approximately one in seven. It is thought that every 66 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s/dementia in the United States.
Here are some signs and/or symptoms that could point to dementia:
- Reasoning impairment
- Impaired focus
- Difficulty with communication
- Language impairment (can’t find the right words)
- Subtle short-term memory changes
- Mood changes
- Normal tasks become difficult
- Apathy
- Storylines can’t be followed easily
- Confusion
- Repetitiveness
- Sense of direction is failing
- Adapting to change becomes increasingly challenging
Keep in mind that there are different types of dementia, or it is caused by different conditions. Depending on the circumstances, signs and symptoms can vary.
Alzheimer’s – What Are The Symptoms?
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 5.8 million people in the United States today. Though not as common in younger people, it is possible. For people 65 years of age and over, every five years, the number of those living with Alzheimer’s doubles. By 2060, it is anticipated that some 14 million people will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Here are some possible Alzheimer’s symptoms. The individual in question…
- Becomes anxious or withdrawn more and more
- Has difficulty handling money and/or with numbers
- Can’t seem to find the right words
- In unfamiliar environments, becomes confused
- Has increasing difficulty with activities and tasks that require planning and organization
- Repeatedly asks the same questions
- Regular problems with memory such as faces, names, recent events, etc.
Is It Time To Set Up An Appointment With A Physician?
Your loved one may not have dementia, even if they’re having some problems with memory. As people age, certain levels of forgetfulness normally occur.
If the above-stated symptoms show up regularly and you feel they are troublesome, do not hesitate to contact your loved one’s physician. The doctor may order the following:
- Brain imaging tests
- Blood tests
- A neurological exam
- A complete series of mental and memory tests
Don’t wait until the problem becomes severe, because eventually, your loved one may possibly pose a threat to themselves and others. It all depends on the severity of the condition. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so get your loved one checked out by a medical professional.
Does Your Loved One Have Dementia or Alzheimer’s? You Can Count on Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley
The United States Alzheimer’s Association has awarded a Certificate of Recognition to Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley’s SHINE Memory Care. Dedicated to Alzheimer’s research and care, this leading health organization only shares such an honor with an extremely elite, small group of memory care providers in the United States.
Contact us at 484.212.6577 to find out how your loved one can benefit from our memory care program. Better yet, use our convenient online form to schedule a tour or ask questions.
