THE TELL-TALE WARNINGS
SYMPTOMS depend on the type of dementia and the area of the brain that is affected, but typical signs include:
MEMORY PROBLEMS: When we talk about memory problems and dementia we basically mean short-term memory — that is, memory for recent events. Long-term memory — recalling something that happened 20 years ago with clarity — is the last to remain intact.
This disparity comes about because when something gets committed to memory it gets imprinted on the circuits of the brain cells. The longer ago it is, the more it gets reinforced and imprinted. That’s why people with dementia can remember things from the past, even their childhood, but won’t recall what someone has just told them.
Short-term memories by definition have not been imprinted, so when brain cells die off the most recent memories are lost because they are in the cells that go first.
Not all memory problems are a sign of dementia. Issues with day-to-day memory can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is not a diagnosis in itself - it can come about for a variety of reasons such as heart failure or diabetes, and only a small percentage of those with MCI will go on to develop full-blown dementia.
To determine if someone has early dementia or MCI there needs to be a referral to a memory clinic for memory tests that will be repeated at a later date to see if there has been any deterioration — which might signify dementia.
DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING: Another possible sign of dementia is struggling to find the right word or finding conversations hard to follow. As a result, those affected retreat
from conversations with family and friends. This occurs because the temporal lobe, the part of the brain which deals with language understanding, is commonly affected by the damage of dementia.
STRUGGLING WITH EVERYDAY TASKS: Common actions such as driving can become difficult. It’s as if they forget the steps needed. As the condition worsens, even simple things such as unlocking a door may become confusing and sufferers may, for instance, put a meal in the fridge or milk in the oven.
NOT KNOWING WHAT DAY IT IS: Losing a sense of time or place is another common symptom. People may lose track of the day, date month or even the year. They may also get disorientated, so that they can be confused about where they are, even when they are somewhere familiar to them.
UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE: People with dementia often stop long-cherished hobbies that demand concentration, such as reading, crosswords, or even cooking, as they may find it hard to focus or concentrate.
EMOTIONAL CHANGES: Sometimes dementia can change people’s personality, making stoical types weepy and tearful, and placid characters irritable. Unpredictable mood swings are another problem. Depression and anxiety are also common.
REPETITIVE QUESTIONS: Some people get caught in the ‘loop phenomenon’, where they ask the same question or do the same action over and over again. Inappropriate behaviour can also occur. The person may shout, scream or become aggressive and suspiciousness is common.