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What Are The Initial Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia?
Question: I am curious about early signs of dementia. What to watch for in my behavior and perceptions? 56 year old male in good health. 6', 185lbs. no smoke, moderate drink. I have noticed that I sometimes don't recognize where I am as I drive down the road. It is very brief, and occurs perhaps twice a week. My mother started to show effects of dementia in her early 70's, so i am a little paranoid.
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Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Dementia can be of different types which may have different initial presentations. The most common type which I guess you have in mind is Alzheimer's disease.
Its initial signs are related to memory initially recent memory, symptoms like forgetting appointments, dates, where you've put stuff, asking for the same information over and over again. These issues can affect daily functioning making it difficult to take care of bills, prepare meals, acomplishing previously familiar tasks. Difficulty writing or getting involved in conversations is also part of the symptoms.
Among these initial manifestations can be also losing yourself while in what should be a familiar neighbourhood or environment.
However, taken in isolation these manifestations may not mean much, and even when together there has to be taken into account the possibility of interfering factors like lack of concentration which could well explain the episodes you describe in your query.
For that reason when there is a doubt of having cognitive dysfunction evaluation with standartized tests, sort of like questionnaries aimed at different cognitive functions is necessary by a physician or a neuropsychologist. There are many tests available the most popular initial one is the XXXXXXX Mental State Exam, if your episodes appear to be progressing or there are other symptoms you can talk with your physician about such tests.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Dementia can be of different types which may have different initial presentations. The most common type which I guess you have in mind is Alzheimer's disease.
Its initial signs are related to memory initially recent memory, symptoms like forgetting appointments, dates, where you've put stuff, asking for the same information over and over again. These issues can affect daily functioning making it difficult to take care of bills, prepare meals, acomplishing previously familiar tasks. Difficulty writing or getting involved in conversations is also part of the symptoms.
Among these initial manifestations can be also losing yourself while in what should be a familiar neighbourhood or environment.
However, taken in isolation these manifestations may not mean much, and even when together there has to be taken into account the possibility of interfering factors like lack of concentration which could well explain the episodes you describe in your query.
For that reason when there is a doubt of having cognitive dysfunction evaluation with standartized tests, sort of like questionnaries aimed at different cognitive functions is necessary by a physician or a neuropsychologist. There are many tests available the most popular initial one is the XXXXXXX Mental State Exam, if your episodes appear to be progressing or there are other symptoms you can talk with your physician about such tests.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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