Early Signs of Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers

Q: Early Signs of Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers

Hello： If you notice any abnormalities in your memory, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for discussion. <br>Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory function. <br>Generally, the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) focuses more on orientation and is less

Dementia issues

Hello, doctor.
My grandmother is 75 years old.
About six months ago, I noticed that she sometimes forgets things, like when she bought tofu and left it in her scooter, only to realize it the next day.
However, this doesn't happen very often, just occasionally.
A few days ago, after she returned from grocery shopping, she told me that she bought clothes at a market she frequently visits, but after shopping, she couldn't recognize the way back.
She mentioned that she only remembered how to get home after seeing a familiar vendor.
I later had her take the SPMSQ (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire) for dementia screening, and she answered all the questions correctly.
I would like to ask you, doctor, should I continue to observe her, or could this really be dementia? P.S.
Aside from the memory issues, she doesn't have any other abnormalities.

Da Pang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/17

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: If you notice any abnormalities in your memory, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for discussion.
Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory function.
Generally, the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) focuses more on orientation and is less effective in assessing attention and recall, making it difficult to detect mild cognitive impairment in individuals.
The advantage is that it does not require extensive education for brief administration.
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is influenced by language and calculation responses related to educational level, particularly for those with less than a primary school education, which can result in lower scores.
If you have related concerns, it is recommended that you discuss examination and treatment options with a neurologist.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/06/17

More Info

Understanding the early signs of dementia is crucial for caregivers, especially when it comes to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Your observations about your grandmother's memory lapses and occasional disorientation are indeed concerning, but they do not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of dementia at this stage.
Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. Early signs can include forgetfulness, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and changes in mood or behavior. In your grandmother's case, the instances of forgetting where she placed items or becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings could be early indicators of cognitive decline. However, it's important to differentiate between normal age-related memory changes and the early signs of dementia.

The SPMSQ (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire) is a useful tool for screening cognitive function, and the fact that your grandmother scored well on it is a positive sign. It suggests that her cognitive abilities may still be intact. However, cognitive decline can be subtle and may not always be captured in a single screening tool. Therefore, continued observation is essential.
Here are some steps you can take as a caregiver:
1. Monitor Changes: Keep a diary of any changes in her memory or behavior. Note the frequency and context of these incidents. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers if you decide to seek further evaluation.

2. Encourage Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help your grandmother feel more secure and reduce confusion. Familiarity can be comforting and may help mitigate some of the memory issues.

3. Engage in Cognitive Activities: Encourage her to participate in activities that stimulate her mind, such as puzzles, reading, or memory games. Social interactions are also beneficial, as they can help maintain cognitive function.

4. Consult Healthcare Professionals: If you notice a pattern of memory loss or if her disorientation becomes more frequent, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. A neurologist or geriatrician can conduct a more comprehensive assessment, which may include neuropsychological testing and brain imaging if necessary.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding dementia and its progression can help you prepare for potential future challenges. Resources from organizations like the Alzheimer's Association can provide valuable information and support.

6. Stay Patient and Supportive: Memory issues can be frustrating for both the individual experiencing them and their caregivers. Approach the situation with patience and empathy, and reassure your grandmother that it’s okay to forget things sometimes.

In conclusion, while your grandmother's memory lapses warrant attention, they do not definitively indicate dementia at this point. Continued observation and engagement in cognitive activities, along with professional guidance if necessary, can help you navigate this situation. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in managing cognitive decline and maintaining quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Is It Dementia? Understanding Sudden Memory Loss in the Elderly

Dear Doctor, my grandmother is 87 years old. At the beginning of this month, one night she suddenly exhibited signs of inappropriate laughter, appeared very fatigued, had an unsteady gait, and was unable to recognize family members or her surroundings. However, the next morning s...

Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen reply Geriatrics
Hello, 1. Your grandmother is 87 years old, and the likelihood of developing dementia is quite high. According to studies from abroad, over 20% of individuals aged 80 and above have dementia. 2. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease (accounting for 50...

Understanding Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

My mother is 70 years old. In recent years, she has been experiencing strange behaviors. First, she often brings up incidents from over a decade ago where my father harmed her, repeatedly mentioning these events, which has led to estrangement from the family. Second, she can be c...

Dr. Zheng Jingming reply Psychiatry
Hello: Dementia, commonly referred to as senile dementia, refers to a comprehensive decline in cognitive abilities. The primary symptom is memory loss, and when elderly individuals complain about memory decline, it is a significant warning sign that family members should take ser...

Understanding Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and Self-Assessment Tips

Hello Doctor: I have experienced a brief episode of memory loss, where familiar people suddenly seemed very strange to me, and everything around me felt blank. I even felt inexplicable fear regarding my own home and belongings, and I spoke incoherently, frightening my family memb...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Early-stage Alzheimer's disease indeed presents with issues related to memory loss concerning time and place, but it gradually worsens to the point where the individual is unable to care for themselves. (2) Transient amnesia may be triggered by psychological stress, occu...

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

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 im...

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 se...