As people age, memory and other cognitive abilities decline. But common age-related forgetfulness usually does not cause dementia, which is an impairment that disrupts everyday functioning. If you or a loved one is concerned about mental slips, keep in mind the following warning signs of dementia:
1. Asking multiple questions about information that was presumably just learned
2. Having difficulties solving simple tasks like following a familiar recipe or paying bills on time
3. Getting lost driving to familiar places or having trouble following the rules of a favorite game
4. Difficulties with speech that cause a person to stop in the middle of a conversation and have trouble continuing
5. Frequently repeating what has already been said
6. Often misplacing things but unable to retrace steps to find them, accusing others of stealing misplaced items, or both
7. Experiencing judgment lapses such as inappropriately giving away large amounts of money
8. Neglecting personal grooming
9. Withdrawing from social activities
10. Showing mood or personality changes
Anyone concerned about these warning signs should consult a doctor. The symptoms can have many different causes; the sooner you find out the actual cause, the sooner you can get proper treatment.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s dementia, medications are available to help patients maintain a higher level of functioning longer.
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