How To Identify The Early Signs Of Dementia In Women

Identifying early signs of dementia in women can be important for timely support and care. Although dementia affects many people globally, research suggests that women are more prone than men to develop the condition. Although some types of dementia are more common in men, the lifetime risk of developing dementia is higher in women. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and approximately two-thirds of those affected are women.

Signs that may indicate the beginning of dementia include memory lapses affecting daily routines, difficulties in problem-solving and planning, and challenges with familiar tasks. While these signs could point to dementia, they are not conclusive evidence, and a medical assessment is needed for an accurate diagnosis. Early detection allows women to explore treatment options to help maintain their quality of life.

What is dementia?

Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that impact memory, cognition, and social skills to the extent of disrupting daily activities. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which gradually impairs cognitive functions over time. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. 

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing dementia, though having one or more risk factors does not guarantee someone will develop the condition. These factors may include:

• Age: The likelihood of developing dementia increases with age, especially after 65.
• Family history: Individuals with a family history of dementia tend to be at higher risk.
• Cardiovascular factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity may contribute to higher dementia risk.
• Gender: Women are generally at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia in women vs. men

Women may experience symptoms of dementia differently from men. They may report more instances of confusion and memory loss, and due to differences in brain structure, cognitive decline may occur more rapidly in women after diagnosis.

In addition, research suggests that the drop in estrogen levels during menopause could play a role in the development of dementia-related conditions in women. This hormonal change may affect their brain health and potentially contribute to dementia. Biological, genetic, and even cultural factors can also affect how dementia develops and affects women. 

Early signs of dementia in women

Identifying the early signs of dementia in women can ensure those affected get the support they need. Common symptoms of dementia can be subtle and vary widely, but understanding them may help those around the person recognize the onset of this condition.

Memory loss

Memory problems, particularly forgetting recently learned information or important dates, are common early signs of dementia. Women experiencing dementia may occasionally forget appointments or have to rely on memory aids more than before. For instance, they might frequently forget simple words or names of new acquaintances and repeat questions in a conversation.

Difficulty finding words

Struggling to find the right word during conversations can also be an early symptom of dementia. A woman may stop in the middle of a sentence and have no idea how to continue due to an inability to recall the right words to use.

Difficulty with routine tasks

Women living with dementia may find everyday tasks increasingly challenging. Managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game can become difficult, leading to frustration. Even chores like preparing a meal or cleaning the house might be overwhelming.

Mood or behavior changes

Mood swings or behavior changes can be notable early signs of dementia. A previously outgoing person might suddenly become withdrawn or lose interest in social activities. Rapid mood swings without a clear reason may also occur. A person living with dementia might also display uncharacteristic irritability or anxiety.

Difficulty with planning or organizing

Organizing, planning, or following a plan can be troublesome for women showing early signs of dementia. For example, they might struggle to develop and follow a detailed grocery list, which previously caused no concerns. Keeping track of appointments and deadlines can also become increasingly challenging.

Frequently losing items

Misplacing things and failing to retrace steps to find them again can be another common sign. A woman experiencing dementia might frequently lose certain items, such as keys, and be unable to figure out where they were last placed. This could lead to repeated purchases of lost items, potentially causing financial strain.

Vision problems

Visual problems unrelated to typical age-related changes in sight may be another sign of dementia. This could develop as trouble reading or judging distances, which may affect a person’s ability to drive. A person with dementia could also experience difficulty distinguishing colors or contrasts, which can affect daily tasks like reading labels and selecting matching clothes.

Poor decision-making

Women living with dementia may also experience instances of poor judgment or decision-making. They might pay less attention to personal hygiene or start overspending in ways that differ from their usual behavior. They may also become more susceptible to scams or make risky financial decisions without understanding the consequences.

While these signs can be subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging, being aware of them can help loved ones and medical professionals take necessary action to address the condition.

Managing early signs of dementia in women

Various treatment strategies may help support women experiencing the early signs of dementia. Early treatment options, including therapy and lifestyle changes, may support cognitive function. 

Therapy

Different types of therapy are available to help manage dementia. These therapy methods include:

• Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST): CST engages patients in activities and exercises designed to improve cognitive function.
• Reminiscence therapy: This type of therapy encourages patients to recall and discuss past experiences, often with the help of photos, music, and other familiar items.
• Reality orientation: Reality orientation involves regular reminders about time, place, and person to help the patient stay oriented.
• Occupational therapy: This type of therapy may help patients maintain their daily living skills and independence for as long as possible.
• Music therapy: Music therapy uses music to improve mood, reduce agitation, and stimulate cognitive function.
• Art therapy: Art therapy engages patients in creative activities to boost emotional well-being.

Medication

Various medications are available to help manage the symptoms of dementia. A healthcare provider may prescribe medications depending on the severity of the dementia. 

• Cholinesterase inhibitors: Medications like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine may help improve cognitive symptoms by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
• Memantine: Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease by regulating glutamate activity.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants may be used to treat symptoms of depression that can accompany dementia.
• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are sometimes used to manage severe agitation or psychotic symptoms, though they come with significant risks and side effects.
• Anti-anxiety medications: Anti-anxiety medications may help manage anxiety symptoms that can be present in dementia patients.

Lifestyle changes 

Certain lifestyle changes may help manage the progression of certain symptoms of dementia. 

• Physical exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain overall health and improve mood.
• Balanced diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may support brain health.
• Social engagement: Maintaining social connections can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve cognitive function.

Online therapy

While therapy may be helpful for people in an early stage of dementia, as well as their families, it may be challenging to commute to a therapist’s office. The rise of digital health technologies has made online therapy a viable option. A study published by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that an online cognitive intervention helped improve cognitive functions, symptoms of depression, and overall quality of life in people with mild dementia. 

Online therapy offers several advantages, including convenience and the comfort of receiving support from one's own home. The flexibility to arrange sessions around a busy schedule can be particularly accommodating for individuals managing early dementia symptoms.