Dementia is a broad term for conditions that can impair someone’s ability to remember, process information, and speak. Dementia is more common in people over 65, but in some cases it can also affect people in their 30s, 40s or 50s. Early signs of dementia are very common. difficult to notice and may not be immediately apparent. Common signs and symptoms that may suggest dementia include:
- Memory loss affects daily functioning, so the person must constantly rely on making lists of actions to be performed.
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks, which may include tying shoelaces or buttoning.
- Mood changes. A previously cheerful person frequently becomes extremely irritable and irritable.
- Difficulty following directions, frequently getting lost or taking a long time to return to known surroundings.
- Apathy: a dislike of doing something or starting an activityHow to promote mental health from an early age: Top 5 resilience-building strategies
- Repeating this over and over makes other family members uncomfortable
- Have difficulty adapting to new changes.
- Poor judgment about everything, taking risks that are not of the right nature and contrary to their previous behavior.
- The problem of deep perception. The person begins to have problems walking quickly or stumbles frequently.
- Inability to tolerate noise.
- Confusion about time and place. Disorientation can often make families very worried.
- Problems with abstract thinking, poor or diminished judgment, frequent misplacing of objects, and loss of initiative.
Although many people without dementia may exhibit these signs, it is the decline in normal behavioral norms and mood that causes impairment in social, occupational, and relationship functioning. Relationships and independent activities need attention.
The role of food in cardiovascular health
With early treatment and diagnosis, you can slow the progression of dementia and maintain mental function for a longer period of time. Treatments may include medication, cognitive training, and therapy. (Author: Dr. Kersi Chavda, Consultant Psychiatrist, PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Center, Mahim)
