Signs of dementia: Know them for timely medical intervention

Dementia is described as the deterioration in cognitive function. This is different from the normal declination of cognitive health which is the consequence of biological ageing. While dementia is mostly seen in older people, it is not an old age related issue.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), dementia is the seventh leading cause of death among older people globally.

"Currently more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year," a 2021 WHO report said. "Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases," the report adds.

Dementia gradually grows in an individual. One does not get dementia all of a sudden; instead there are several signs of dementia which show in an individual and these signs worsen in course of time.

Read: Study finds daily habits are linked to cognitive decline later

Detection of dementia signs at an early stage would help the person get medical assistance before the condition worsens. It would also give the person ample time to make changes in the lifestyle so that the risk of dementia is averted further. Indulgence in brain healthy behaviour will help the person improve their cognitive health.

"The most common sign is a memory problem, and it's usually episodic, meaning that it's hard to remember events in your life, past and present," says Dr. David Caplan, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.

While many experts associate decline in memory with dementia, there are several other signs also which can indicate the onset of dementia.

A decline in memory capacity is what has been said by experts the main sign of dementia onset. When people experience a gap in recent or past memories they should be alert about it and focus on improving it.

Do not ignore a memory lapse. If it is occuring in frequent episodes then make sure to take help from experts.

The confusion associated with dementia makes it difficult for the individual to plan anything or to take a decision on anything. This increased confusion affects the normal functioning of an individual for which he or she starts relying on others.

Due to forgetfulness and lack of concentration, a typical behaviour change is noticed in these individuals. These people would seem withdrawn and depressed most of the time.

Research studies have established the association between sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms — such as anxiety, apathy, irritability, and restlessness and progression of dementia.

Depression and diseases related to declination of cognitive health go hand in hand.

As per a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry people who were depressed late in life had a 70% increased risk of dementia, and those who had been depressed since middle age were at 80% greater risk.

There are various signs of depression like feeling lonely, lack of enthusiasm, irritability, loss of interest, confusion, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and pessimism.

Dementia is also characterised by other signs like: forgetfulness, losing track of the time, becoming lost in familiar places, becoming forgetful of recent events and people's names, becoming confused while at home, having increasing difficulty with communication, needing help with personal care, experiencing behaviour changes, including wandering and repeated questioning.

When the condition has already progressed and has worsened, signs like becoming unaware of the time and place, having difficulty recognizing relatives and friends,

having an increasing need for assisted self-care, having difficulty walking and

experiencing behaviour changes that may escalate and include aggression.

The WHO has listed the above symptoms of dementia and calls for immediate action. " As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050," it warns.