A diagnosis of dementia can have a huge impact on a person’s life. Someone recently diagnosed with dementia is likely to experience a range of emotions. These may include grief, loss, anger, shock, fear, disbelief and even relief. And in this article, we study Dementia: its effects and what you should know about it. What is this mental disorder and the result of it and the things that we should learn about having dementia.
Some people may struggle to deal with these emotions. And they may move between emotions as they adjust. They may feel afraid about the future. Also, feel scared about moments of confusion and forgetfulness. And upset about the impact dementia has on those around them.
The confirmation of a diagnosis may trigger depression and anxiety in some people.
The first thing you need to know about dementia is that it is not a specific diagnosis. But a term to describe a wide variety of symptoms that lead to a decline in brain function. The second is that it’s not uncommon for older adults to experience changes in their thinking ability.
Generally, though, these changes do not interfere with their daily life. If they lose their keys, for example, they’re able to retrace their steps or think of likely places to find them again. Some signs, but, like difficulty knowing what day it, point to a more serious problem. What follows are some of the most common signs of dementia.
While forgetting names or appointments is normal. A person in the early stages of dementia often cannot recall recently learned information. Leading them to ask the same question. Their forgetfulness also will occur with increasing frequency.
2.Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Everyday tasks such as showering, preparing meals or making a phone call may seem unfamiliar to people in the beginning stages of dementia. Sometimes they can recall all or most of the steps required to perform the action, but the order is jumbled.
3. Language difficulties
A person in the early stages of dementia may forget simple words. Both speech and writing can be affected and may be difficult to understand. Be aware that the onset of jumbled speech could also be a symptom of a stroke.
4. Disorientation
Dementia can make people unaware of their surroundings. Even in familiar places, such as their neighborhood.
5. Impaired abstract thinking
Complex mental tasks need several steps may become difficult (if not impossible) to do. This usually becomes clear in chores like balancing a checkbook. This need inputting information from various sources. And then combining, assessing or analyzing that information.
6. Diminished judgment
The inability to make a sound decision based on a given set of factors is another possible sign of dementia. A common example is dressing for the weather.
7. Putting things in the wrong place
Another of the more common early warning signs is placing objects in inappropriate. Like putting keys in refrigerator.
8. Behavior or mood changes
Dementia can cause severe and shifting moods. You might witness your loved one with dementia going from rage to sadness. And to complete calm within the course of a few minutes.
9. Apathy
A lack of energy or passion for life can manifest in prolonged sleeping or bouts of TV-watching. The desire to isolate rather than to take part in normal activities. This could be another key sign of dementia or depression–or both.