Do I Have Dementia? Early Warning Signs And Treatment Options

“Do I have dementia?” If you’re approaching older adulthood or have experienced symptoms like forgetfulness, this question may have crossed your mind. 

Dementia can refer to a group of illnesses involving progressive memory loss, communication challenges, and mood changes. At the beginning, however, its symptoms are often subtler. Understanding what early-stage dementia looks like may make it easier to get help when you need it, start treatment, and take steps to protect your mental health. Therapy may be an effective preventive measure in some cases. 

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What is dementia?

Dementia itself isn’t a specific illness. Rather, it can be seen as an umbrella term that includes several different illnesses. Types of dementia include the following:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Lewy body dementia
• Vascular dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Mixed dementia

Each of these illnesses usually has slightly different causes. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is typically caused by a buildup of plaque in the brain, while vascular dementia can be caused by issues with blood flow to the brain. That said, all types of dementia can involve changes in the ways people think, act, and express themselves. 

As the disease progresses, these changes tend to become more severe. Over time, people with dementia may have a harder time remembering information, communicating, and functioning in daily life. As a result, later-stage dementia patients often need full-time care. 

Exploring early signs of dementia

People in the early stages of dementia may not always be aware that something is wrong. However, understanding the early warning signs may make it easier for you and your loved ones to tell if what you’re experiencing is a natural part of aging or something more concerning. 

The early symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the person and their type of dementia. That said, you may want to take note if you notice that: 

• You get lost in familiar places. 
• You forget simple words or the names of people you know well. 
• You struggle to complete familiar tasks like paying bills, washing dishes, doing laundry, or making dinner. 
• You lose interest in activities and relationships you used to enjoy. 
• You find it harder to follow conversations. 
• You forget current events or often lose track of the date and time. 
• You find it hard to make plans and solve problems. 
• You often feel anxious or depressed. 
• Your loved ones notice changes in your behavior or personality.
• People are concerned that you’re using poor judgment when making important decisions. 
• People are concerned that you aren’t looking after your own health or hygiene. 

Keep in mind that some mental changes can be a natural part of the aging process and might not always be causes for concern. For example, as you age, you might occasionally forget appointments or have trouble finding the right word once in a while. These might not represent dementia memory loss. 

Signs of dementia can start out subtle, but they can still be disruptive enough to get in the way of daily life. A person with early-stage dementia might have noticeable challenges with routine tasks like driving, following conversations, or cleaning the house. If you notice a pattern of forgetfulness, confusion, or trouble functioning, this may be a warning sign. 

Getting help for early-stage dementia

If you notice possible dementia symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you may want to start by talking to a doctor. Getting an early diagnosis may be the first step toward managing it and taking steps to support your mental and physical health. Several medications may help slow the progress of dementia and reduce the intensity of its symptoms. These must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor and can include the following:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants may help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can be common among people with dementia. These medications usually work by changing levels of chemicals in the brain. 
• Cholinesterase inhibitors: These medications may be helpful for people with certain types of early- or mid-stage dementia. They normally work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that support memory and learning, which may slow the progression of the illness. 
• Memantine: Memantine can lower the brain’s glutamate levels. Having too much glutamate can negatively affect memory, which is why memantine may help people with later-stage dementia. 
• Antipsychotics: Some people with dementia may experience hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations can refer to seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn’t there, while delusions can be thought of as false beliefs that can’t be changed. Antipsychotic medications may reduce these symptoms. 

Getting an early dementia diagnosis may also empower you to take action to preserve your health and mental skills. Certain lifestyle changes may slow the progression of dementia. For example, in a 2018 study, researchers studied the physical activity levels of 934 Alzheimer’s patients, following up with them each year. Those who were more physically active usually had a slower disease progression. 

Similarly, according to the National Institute on Aging, staying socially and mentally active may support brain health and cognitive function as individuals age. 

Certain types of therapy may also have benefits for people with dementia:

• Cognitive stimulation therapy: This is a form of therapy that often uses discussions, games, puzzles, and other activities to boost memory, problem-solving, and language skills. 
• Cognitive rehabilitation: This type of therapy generally focuses on identifying and sharpening specific skills for functioning in daily life, such as getting dressed, having conversations, or using a computer. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy typically aims to help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It may be helpful for easing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with dementia. It may also help people with a recent dementia diagnosis manage feelings of distress. 

These types of therapy, among others, may be useful for people with dementia and their loved ones. However, finding affordable therapy can be challenging. Mental Health America reports that as of 2023, most American adults with unmet mental healthcare needs didn’t get care because of the associated costs. 

Support may be more accessible through online therapy. Platforms like BetterHelp offer professional therapy starting at $65 per week, and users can attend sessions from the convenience of home at times that suit their schedules.

Internet-based therapy can successfully treat depression, which often affects people with dementia. In a 2017 review, researchers looked at data from 373 studies of online cognitive behavioral therapy treatments. They found that online therapy could be an effective treatment for depression and other mental health concerns.