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Dementia is a terrible brain disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While age is the primary risk factor, other variables you may regulate include poor diet, excessive drinking, and smoking. There are several warning indicators of dementia to keep an eye out for, and Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies explains three of the most prevalent ones.
1 — Changes in Mood and Behavior
“Dementia is a degenerative brain disease that can cause declines in memory, emotions, and behavior as well as loss of independence,” says Dr. Mitchell. “Dementia is a progressive brain disorder characterized by cognitive decline, mood changes, and behavioral modifications. Changes in mood and behavior are typical symptoms of dementia, which may be both distressing and frustrating for the afflicted individual as well as their caregivers. Aggression, apathy, sadness, anxiety, agitation, disinhibition , and hallucinations are all common behavioral changes associated with dementia. Mental changes can occur as a result of cognitive impairment, as well as chemical structure modifications in the brain. Behavioral adjustments might also signal underlying medical issues like pain or infection in some circumstances. As a result, if you or a someone you know are experiencing any persistently bad moods or unusual behavior patterns that are affecting your life, it is critical to seek expert help.”
2 — Poor Judgment and Decision-Making
“Inability to make wise judgments and decisions may be early indicators of dementia,” Dr. Mitchell says. “Dementia symptoms frequently include a lack of insight and reasoning, which makes it difficult for persons with the condition to comprehend and process information. Alterations in mood and behavior can also have an impact on judgment, impairing executive functioning skills like planning and problem-solving. Dementia is most often associated with memory loss and other cognitive deficits. However, it can also cause behavioral changes such as apathy or irritability, which may contribute to significant impairment in daily life. While there’s no one answer as to why dementia can cause poor judgment, it’s clear that the illness might have a major impact on cognitive skills.”
3 — Changes in Spatial Awareness
“One of the most frequent symptoms of dementia is a loss in spatial awareness,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “While the specific cause of this symptom is unknown, it is thought to be linked to alterations in the brain as a result of disease. One hypothesis is that dementia impairs how effectively the brain can process information about location and distance. As a consequence, people with dementia may have difficulties determining how far things are away or having different information regarding where items are located. They may become disoriented as a result of this, leading them to get lost in their surroundings on a regular basis. Changes in spatial awareness might also cause balance and coordination difficulties, making falling more likely. While there is no cure for dementia, therapies may help manage the symptoms and enhance quality of life for those afflicted by it.” Dr. Mitchell adds, “If you detect any of these symptoms, please visit a doctor for a diagnosis. While there is currently no cure for dementia, early detection and treatment can assist in slowing the disease’s progression and enhance quality of life.”
