Learn More About The Symptoms And Signs Of Dementia

Dementia refers to a serious loss of global cognitive ability

, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Dementia is far more common in the elderly population, but can also occur before the age of 65, which is referred to as early onset dementia. What makes dementia unique is that it is not a single disease, but is classified as a non-specific illness syndrome which affects areas of cognition such as memory, attention, language and problem solving. The symptoms of dementia vary according to the individual and the underlying cause of dementia. Sometimes the signs of dementia are very obvious, other times they are subtle and go unrecognized for some time. The first sign of dementia however is usually loss of short term memory. Dementia signs and symptoms can be classified according to the stage of dementia early, intermediate and severe.

Early dementia signs and symptoms include word finding difficulty, where the elderly person often has to compensate by using synonyms or by defining the word; forgetting names, appointments, checklists; losing things; and difficulty performing familiar tasks such as driving, cooking, household chores and managing personal finances. Uncharacteristic behavior patterns begin to occur as well such as personality changes where a social person becomes withdrawn. Mood swings are also a common occurrence with brief periods of anger or rage. Also, poor judgement and behavior disorders such as paranoia and suspiciousness begin to crop up. Elderly people will also have a decline in level of functioning and will be confused and disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings.

The signs of intermediate dementia are progressively worsening of symptoms seen in early dementia with elderly people being less able to compensate. They are unable to carry out activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding without help and have disrupted sleep, where they nap during the daytime and stay up at night. Another sign is that the elderly are unable to learn new information and have increasing disorientation and confusion in familiar surroundings. There will be a greater risk of falls and accidents and behavior disorders such as paranoid delusions, aggressiveness and agitation.

In severe dementia, there is a worsening of symptoms seen in early and intermediate dementia and the affected must completely depend on others for daily living activities. The elderly may be unable to walk or move from place to place unassisted and there is complete loss of short and long term memory and may be unable to recognize even close relatives and friends.

by: Ephram Alda

POST COMMENT

Driving Lessons: Sensible And Useful Information Splendid Cooking Experience With All Clad Stainless And Stainless Steel Cookware Ajo.bebes Luxury Baby Gifts Are For Every Mom And Dad Bluesign Standards With Reflective Tape And Textiles Reputable Suppliers Of High Class Genuine Diamonds And Diamond Jewellery Growing Old And Staying Young Guidelines For Tabletop Artwork And Accessories Many Travel Tips And Elba Offers On Elbareservation! Settlement And A Look By The Information With Help From Binary Options Articles Driving Training: Sensible And Advisable Facts Portable Toilets For Maximum Comfort And Convenience At An Outdoor Event Increase Your Sales And Company Awareness With Pay Per Click Marketing Comfort And Style With Frillys Lingerie Range Of Bikinis And Swimwear