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.
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 including Alzheimer’s disease
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.
Do I have dementia-related memory loss? Exploring early dementia symptoms
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.
Early dementia symptoms
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.
Do I have dementia? Early warning signs of dementia-related 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 and Alzheimer’s disease
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.
Benefits of early dementia diagnosis
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.
Types of therapy for dementia patients
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.
Affordable online therapy options
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.
Effectiveness of online therapy
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.
Takeaway
How do I check myself for dementia?
The self-administered gerocognitive exam (SAGE) is the most common assessment to screen for early signs of dementia or cognitive impairment. If you suspect that you may have dementia, speak to a doctor. Early detection and treatment are key for slowing the condition’s progression.
What age can dementia start?
Dementia can start at any age; however, it’s much more common in people mid-60s and over. Early-onset dementia is much rarer and can begin as early as a person’s 30s. The type of dementia one has can also influence the age at which a person’s symptoms emerge. For example, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare brain disorder caused by the progressive death of specific brain cells in which dementia-like symptoms can appear as early as one’s 40s. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is another condition that can cause symptoms similar to those of other types of dementia at any age. NPH may result from aneurysm, head injury, meningitis, and other issues causing a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord.
How do you avoid getting dementia?
With lifestyle and environmental changes, it is possible to reduce your risk for progressive dementias. Here are some strategies that might help prevent dementia:
- Eat a nutritious and healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and hearing loss
- Stay socially active
- Stay mentally active
- Take care of your mental health
Research reported by the Alzheimer’s Association shows that any of these healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk for dementia; however, combining four or more may lower your risk by up to 60%.
What is stage 1 dementia?
Stage one is the pre-dementia stage during which the person doesn’t display common early symptoms like cognitive decline or memory lapses beyond what’s considered normal aging.
What is the 2-finger test for dementia?
Sometimes called the “interlocking finger test,” the two-finger test is a basic neurological assessment in which an examiner demonstrates interlocking their fingers in a particular pattern and then asks the patient to copy. How effectively the patient can replicate the hand gesture acts as a measurement for motor skills, visual perception, and their ability to interpret spatial relationships and follow directions, which can indicate early signs of cognitive decline associated with dementia.
What does early dementia feel like?
Dementia can affect people differently. For example, one person might forget things more frequently but have no trouble following a conversation. Some people display one or two signs, while others might show most of them. For most, symptoms develop gradually and may include:
- Memory problems such as misplacing things around the house or forgetting names, numbers, or recent events
- Difficulty recalling things one usually would have no trouble with, like a familiar recipe or a loved one’s birthday
- Becoming confused or lost about time and place
- Trouble understanding or following a conversation, or problems finding the right words
- Problems with decision-making
- Mood or personality changes such as withdrawal, depression, or increased anxiety and/or aggression
- Difficulty with familiar tasks people do, such as paying bills or shopping
- Feeling as if one’s thinking, walking, or moving more slowly
How these symptoms make one feel often varies between individuals. Some people feel stressed and frustrated when they repeatedly lose things or forget appointments. Others may experience depression, fear, or feelings of helplessness when they can’t complete familiar tasks or follow instructions.
What do “dementia eyes” look like?
Dementia-related damage to nerve cells in the brain might cause vision problems that influence the eye’s appearance. This condition may vary among people according to the specific disease or condition that causes dementia. For example, individuals might have depth perception problems that make it difficult to focus on or track items. Some may have erratic or jerky eye movements, while others have slower eye movements. Individuals with Alzheimer’s might have dilated and constricted pupils. People with dementia sometimes experience hallucinations or distorted visual images that might cause unusual facial expressions or eye movements.
Can stress cause dementia?
While stress itself doesn’t cause dementia, several clinical trials suggest it can play a role in its development and progression. Stress is one of many risk factors linked to dementia directly and indirectly in several ways. For example:
- Stress can impact the immune system, which is important for dementia development.
- The stress hormone cortisol is associated with memory problems and physical brain changes that can lead to dementia. The effects of stress and cortisol can have a "U-shaped" curve, where too little or too much stress or cortisol can be harmful.
- Stress is closely linked to depression and anxiety, which can increase dementia risk.
- People with a history of stress-related disorders, such as PTSD or adjustment disorder, have an increased risk of dementia.
- Stress resulting from a lack of control or social support at work can increase the risk of vascular dementia.
Remember that stress is a treatable condition that can be managed with techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises. If you’re struggling with managing stress, seek guidance from a mental health professional who can provide you with healthy ways to cope.
What should you do if you suspect dementia?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has dementia, begin by talking to a healthcare provider. During an initial consultation, they might ask about any family history of dementia and perform a physical examination and an initial assessment for common symptoms. Depending on the results, they may refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or geriatrician for further laboratory tests if necessary. Early treatment can help slow the progression of dementia and make it easier to manage the disorder over time.
For several reasons, it might be challenging to convince a loved one to see a doctor. They may not have noticed the signs or think their symptoms are a normal part of aging. They may be worried or afraid or believe there’s no point in seeking a diagnosis. Approach the topic in a comfortable, familiar place. Use “I” statements such as “I thought I noticed you’re having a harder time with your memory lately” or simply “I’m a little worried about you” to express your concerns. Offer to go with them to the appointment if they’re afraid. You might also consider whether they’d be more comfortable opening up to you or other trusted friends or family members.
What are the three golden rules of dementia?
The three “golden rules” refer to a set of guidelines for effectively communicating with someone with dementia. The three golden rules are:
Don’t ask direct questions
Asking direct questions can cause people with dementia to search for information in their memories, which can increase their distress.
Listen actively and learn
Listen to and learn from the person with dementia. Show interest in what they have to say.
Don’t contradict
Avoid arguing with the person with dementia. Instead, use non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language to show interest in what they're saying.
While these rules can create meaningful interactions and show respect for the individual with dementia—they can be challenging to apply in the right context. What works for one person might not work for another. For example, some people with dementia might need direct questions, while others might need short, concise directives. The key to using these rules effectively is educating yourself about the common signs, stages, and behaviors you might encounter with developing dementia.
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