Is Your Loved One Showing Early Signs of Dementia? Key Symptoms to Watch

Q: Is Your Loved One Showing Early Signs of Dementia? Key Symptoms to Watch

Hello, sir： Based on what you have described, your grandmother is currently experiencing significant decline in her cognitive abilities, particularly in language and memory. <br>It is advisable to take her to a psychiatrist or neurologist for an evaluation as soon as possible. <b

I would like to ask if these symptoms are precursors to dementia?

Hello, doctor.
My grandmother is 74 years old and has high blood pressure.
Two years ago, we noticed that her lips and hands would tremble involuntarily, but she seemed unaware of it.
Later, she visited a general clinic, where she was prescribed a medication that significantly improved her condition.
However, she sometimes reports feeling a bit dizzy after taking the medication.

In the past couple of years, she has experienced episodes while sleeping where she seems to have conversations with people passing by her room, but the content of these conversations is nonsensical and consists of sentences formed by unrelated people and events.
She also expresses thoughts that defy common sense, and her memory appears to have significantly declined.
I recall her mentioning that she almost couldn't find her way home from the market, and similar incidents have repeated within a few days, sometimes even within hours.

In her semi-conscious state, she speaks in a way that combines various unrelated subjects, and now it seems she also expresses these thoughts while fully awake.
The things she says often sound bizarre and are difficult for others to respond to.
I would like to know if this could be a sign of dementia and how severe the situation might be.
If we want to take her to see a doctor, which specialty should we choose? Are there currently any medications or treatments available that could alleviate her condition? I sincerely appreciate your guidance.
Thank you!

Zhang Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/28

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello, sir: Based on what you have described, your grandmother is currently experiencing significant decline in her cognitive abilities, particularly in language and memory.
It is advisable to take her to a psychiatrist or neurologist for an evaluation as soon as possible.
The severity of her condition may have reached a moderate level, but the actual severity will be determined through a comprehensive cognitive assessment for dementia during the clinical evaluation.
The report will provide a score to classify the level of impairment, and the physician will develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan based on the annual assessment scores.
There are currently medications available to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, so it is crucial to seek timely medical attention to help maintain your grandmother's cognitive function.

Reply Date: 2018/06/28

More Info

It sounds like you are deeply concerned about your grandmother's health, particularly regarding the possibility of dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other types, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Given your grandmother's symptoms, it is essential to recognize the early signs of dementia and seek appropriate medical advice.

Key Symptoms to Watch for in Early Dementia
1. Memory Loss: One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory loss, particularly short-term memory. Your grandmother's repeated questions and difficulty recalling recent events, like her trip to the market, are concerning signs.

2. Disorientation: If she is getting lost in familiar places or has trouble recognizing familiar surroundings, this can indicate cognitive decline.
3. Language Problems: Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations can be a symptom. The nonsensical or disjointed sentences you mentioned may suggest issues with language processing.

4. Changes in Mood and Behavior: Dementia can lead to changes in personality and mood swings. If your grandmother seems more confused, anxious, or withdrawn, these could be signs of cognitive decline.

5. Visual and Spatial Difficulties: Problems with visual perception and spatial awareness can also occur. This might manifest as difficulty judging distances or recognizing faces.

6. Sleep Disturbances: The half-awake conversations she has during sleep could be related to a sleep disorder or cognitive issues.

Next Steps
Given these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. The best course of action would be to take her to a geriatrician or a neurologist, as these specialists are trained to diagnose and treat dementia and other cognitive disorders. They can conduct a thorough assessment, which may include cognitive tests, medical history evaluation, and possibly brain imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.

Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for dementia, but there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine) may help improve memory and cognitive function in some patients. Additionally, there are non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive therapies, that can help maintain cognitive function and improve quality of life.

Conclusion
It is crucial to address these symptoms as early as possible. Early diagnosis can lead to better management of the condition and improve the quality of life for your grandmother. It can also provide you and your family with the necessary support and resources to navigate this challenging time. Don't hesitate to seek help; your grandmother's health and well-being are paramount.

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