HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Dementia?

default
Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2014
Question: I would like information on early onset of dementia. My father had a stroke April 2013.
His mental status has been declining over the past 6 weeks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Depression and psychosis - major risk

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on clinical history, reports and query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Features you need to watch out for early onset of dementia are :

a. Earliest would be mild confusion, followed by apathy and changes in personality.

b. As time progresses - depression, psychosis and memory gets affected (Impaired ability to learn new information, Impaired ability to recall previously learned information, language disturbance, Inability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor function.)

As the situation worsens, other symptoms are:

e. Failure to recognize or identify objects with normal sensory function or eyes and touch.
f. Unable to plan or organize anything - marked difficulties in judgement and dependence on others for daily activities
g. Euphoria, elation, depression or aggressive behaviors become common as disease progresses.


2. History of stroke, would suggest a possible vascular dementia as the cause. CT scan is showing typical features of stroke induced changes.

3. Vascular dementia would be abrupt in onset, with a fluctuating course. Personality might be well preserved. He might show depression and features of psychosis.

4. At present medication, or infection might be clouding the consciousness. Evaluation should be done after complete treatment of the present multiple disorders.

5. Hiatus hernia or stomach in mediastinal cavity needs to be treated, if any serious symptoms are present. Gastritis or esophageal reflux would be common and can be treated with proton pump inhibitors. Surgery is not necessary, if he does not have any serious symptoms.

Hope it helps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Take Care.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Early Symptoms Of Dementia?

Brief Answer: Depression and psychosis - major risk Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on clinical history, reports and query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Features you need to watch out for early onset of dementia are : a. Earliest would be mild confusion, followed by apathy and changes in personality. b. As time progresses - depression, psychosis and memory gets affected (Impaired ability to learn new information, Impaired ability to recall previously learned information, language disturbance, Inability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor function.) As the situation worsens, other symptoms are: e. Failure to recognize or identify objects with normal sensory function or eyes and touch. f. Unable to plan or organize anything - marked difficulties in judgement and dependence on others for daily activities g. Euphoria, elation, depression or aggressive behaviors become common as disease progresses. 2. History of stroke, would suggest a possible vascular dementia as the cause. CT scan is showing typical features of stroke induced changes. 3. Vascular dementia would be abrupt in onset, with a fluctuating course. Personality might be well preserved. He might show depression and features of psychosis. 4. At present medication, or infection might be clouding the consciousness. Evaluation should be done after complete treatment of the present multiple disorders. 5. Hiatus hernia or stomach in mediastinal cavity needs to be treated, if any serious symptoms are present. Gastritis or esophageal reflux would be common and can be treated with proton pump inhibitors. Surgery is not necessary, if he does not have any serious symptoms. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Take Care. Dr. Prakash HM