I am including this article in this month’s issue because it really hit close to home. I think a lot of people in the early stages of dementia don’t realize what’s happening to them. I’ve seen it firsthand; a board member who keeps bringing up the same ideas, seems confused by the agenda, or says things that don’t quite fit. It’s easy to miss the signs or chalk them up to something else. But I also know that sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. A couple of years ago, a board member I’ve known for a long time started acting very differently. We were all so worried, but it turned out she had just gone through two rounds of COVID. It took her a few months to bounce back, but eventually, she was back to her old self, and didn’t even remember that rough patch!
In my own family, dementia wasn’t something we had ever experienced. My mother was one of six siblings, and none had shown signs of cognitive decline. Longevity runs in our family, so when my mom began to exhibit unusual behaviors and personality changes at 85, we didn’t recognize them for what they were. We only learned she had Lewey Body dementia a few hours after she passed away 8 years after symptoms began. Knowing earlier would have helped us understand her better and respond with more compassion and clarity. Education about the unique symptoms of each type of dementia can make a huge difference for families.
If I had to explain the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia in simple terms, I’d say: with Alzheimer’s, they don’t know you With dementia, you don’t know them. My mother still recognized me, my sister, and my daughter, but her personality became almost unrecognizable. This summary is based on an article from AARP, which I hope you’ll find as insightful as I did.
1. Short, term memory loss – Forgetting recent events, like going to a movie, is more serious than forgetting an actor’s name. It may signal damage to the hippocampus, often seen early in Alzheimer’s.
2. Word, finding problems – Occasional word slips are normal. But frequent trouble finding words or using incorrect ones (shirt instead of jacket) can be a warning sign.
3. Struggling to multitask – Difficulty managing tasks you once handled easily, like cooking a holiday meal, may indicate issues with executive function.
4. Repetition – Repeating questions or stories without realizing it is a red flag.
5. Personality changes – Withdrawal from social events, growing apathy, or new anxiety or suspicion can signal dementia.
6. Unusual sleep behaviors – New behaviors like acting out dreams or sleepwalking may point to dementia, related sleep disruptions.
7. Poor sense of direction – Getting lost in familiar places or avoiding driving in new areas may reflect declining spatial awareness.
8. New, onset depression – Sudden depression in older adults can be an early dementia symptom or even a risk factor.
9. Confusion about time or place – Forgetting where you are or what day it is can be a sign of cognitive decline.
10. Vision and perception issues – Trouble with depth perception, balance, or reading clocks can signal dementia.
11. Money mistakes – Difficulty managing finances, like paying bills or tipping, can be an early warning.
12. Poor judgment – Changes in decision, making, including vulnerability to scams, may appear early. Making inappropriate remarks in social settings.
13. Losing or misplacing things – Putting items in odd places and being unable to retrace your steps is concerning.
14. Misusing everyday items – Using objects incorrectly, like pouring wine into a beer glass, may indicate confusion.
15. Hallucinations – Seeing things that aren’t there, especially people or animals, can occur in some types of dementia.
Common Types of Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease: Most common; affects memory and spreads through the brain over time.
- Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain; often impacts thinking speed and problem, solving.
- Lewy body dementia:
Involves abnormal protein buildup; causes changes in mood, movement, and thinking.
- Fron to temporal dementia: Affects younger adults more often; impacts behavior, communication, and impulse control.
What To Do if You Notice Symptoms
If you or a loved one shows signs, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis matters, some treatments may slow disease progression or rule out
other causes.
Conditions That Mimic Dementia
Dementia, like symptoms can be caused by:
• Alcohol abuse
• Depression or stress
• Infections, clots, or tumors
• Delirium or head trauma
• Medication side effects
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Thyroid or kidney issues
• Hearing loss
How Dementia Is Diagnosed
Doctors may use:
• Cognitive and neurological tests
• Brain scans (MRI, PET)
• Blood tests for Alzheimer’s markers
• Mental health evaluations
• Genetic tests (especially for early, onset cases)
Note: Early detection allows for better care, access to treatments, and more planning options. Start by talking to your primary care doctor.
