It often starts quietly. You will see a loved one repeatedly ask questions, forget familiar names, or often avoid social interactions. In this situation, the first thing we blame is the stress or the effects of aging. However, when these changes become frequent, we start to wonder, “Is this normal or a sign of something alarming?”
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease don’t usually hit all of a sudden. The effects, such as memory loss, poor thinking patterns, and behavioural shifts, unfold over time.
Dr Asrar, drawing from his patient assessments, says.
“The symptoms are usually there early on, but making sense of them is what takes time.”
For families, this can be overwhelming, especially when they put in all their effort to support their loved ones and make the best decisions for their well-being.
Well, not anymore,
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of dementia, causes of memory loss, and the best care options for people living with such critical brain disorders. This will give you clarity during the challenging times.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease nor a normal part of ageing. It is a broader term that is used to describe diseases that impair cognitive function. This affects your thinking, reasoning, behaviour, and communication, interfering with daily activities.
While occasional forgetfulness comes with age, dementia includes clear and persistent changes in memory and thinking. According to the WHO, 57 million people in the world live with dementia, making it a global health crisis.
Mostly, we use the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s interchangeably, but they are not the same. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. However, dementia refers to a set of symptoms caused by various brain conditions.
Common types of dementia include.
- Alzheimer’s disease: It usually starts with memory loss and gradually affects reasoning and behavior
- Vascular dementia: It happens due to reduced blood supply to the brain, often after a stroke
- Lewy body dementia: It may alter your memory and lead to movement issues, hallucinations, or sleep disturbances
- Frontotemporal dementia: It often affects personality, behaviour, or language before memory. A person may lack emotional control and be easily triggered by small things.
Common Dementia Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of dementia can appear slowly and can vary from person to person. In adults, the earliest signs are often not noticed until they start affecting routines and relationships. Let’s explore some of them below.
- Loss of memory that reflects in daily life. For instance, an affected person may frequently forget recent conversations, important events, and appointments and need reminders more often than usual.
- They may get lost in familiar places, unsure of the time and surroundings. You may also notice them losing their temper in public and behaving aggressively for no apparent reason.
- They struggle to communicate, follow conversations, and make choices that once felt easy.
- They have increased anxiety levels, mood swings, and poor sleep patterns. You may also find them avoiding social gatherings as they don’t easily engage with people.
Memory Loss vs Aging: How to Tell the Difference
Some changes in memory are a normal part of getting older. Misplacing keys, forgetting a name and remembering it later, or needing more time to learn something new can happen with age. These moments are usually occasional and don’t interfere with daily life or independence.
Memory changes linked to dementia tend to feel different. Forgetfulness becomes more frequent, routines feel harder to manage, and familiar tasks may start to feel confusing. People may repeat questions, lose track of time or place, or struggle to follow conversations. These are often red flags that suggest something more than typical ageing.
If memory or behaviour changes begin to affect work, relationships, or everyday activities, it’s a good idea to seek medical evaluation. Getting checked doesn’t always mean a serious diagnosis, but it can help rule out treatable causes and provide clarity. Early evaluation also gives individuals and families more time to plan, ask questions, and access the right support.
What Causes Memory Loss?
Memory loss can also occur due to various other factors, which include:
- Medications or medical conditions – Certain drugs, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies (like B12) can affect memory.
- Mental health factors – Depression, anxiety, or chronic stress can interfere with thinking and recall.
- Traumatic Brain Injury – A head injury due to a fall, accident, or sports-related injury can also result in both short-term and long-term memory loss sometimes.
- Sleep issues – Poor sleep or sleep disorders may contribute to forgetfulness.
A proper evaluation is important because it helps identify the underlying cause. This also ensures the right care and gives families clarity and direction early on.
What is Alzheimer’s and How Does it Progress?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that gradually affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. It develops gradually and accounts for 60% to 80% of cases. The changes often occur in the following stages.
- Early stage – People may notice mild memory lapses, such as forgetting recent events or struggling to find words. Everyday tasks usually remain manageable, but subtle changes can be concerning to family members.
- Middle stage – Memory and thinking difficulties become more noticeable. Individuals may have trouble organising daily routines, remembering appointments, or identifying familiar people. Mood swings, confusion, and frustration are also common.
- Late stage – Memory loss and cognitive decline become severe. Daily activities like dressing, eating, and personal care often require full-time assistance. Communication may become limited, and physical abilities can be affected.
As Alzheimer’s leads to severe stages, the impact on daily life also grows. However, early detection and planning can help families give the right care and support and keep them independent as long as possible.
Best Ways to Care For Elderly with Dementia at Home
Caring for someone with dementia at home works best when the focus is on comfort, safety, and consistency.
- Create a simple daily routine. Predictable schedules for meals, sleep, and activities can reduce confusion and anxiety.
- Keep the environment safe and familiar. Try to remove fall risks, improve lighting, and label rooms or drawers to support independence.
- Using clear, simple language works wonders to communicate better and offer reassurance instead of correction when confusion arises.
- Allow extra time for tasks and involve them in activities they can still manage. The small moments of independence can have a positive impact.
- Don’t neglect yourself as a caregiver. Take breaks, ask for help, and consider in-home support when needed.
Caring at home can be deeply meaningful, but it’s not something anyone has to do alone. Support makes it sustainable.
Note: While we can’t cure dementia, the right care and environment can improve comfort and overall quality of life.
When to Seek Professional Dementia Care?
At some point, caring for loved ones dealing with dementia alone becomes too difficult at home. Frequent memory issues, safety concerns, and trouble in doing daily tasks like eating, bathing, or taking medicine can be hard to handle without professional help.
Taking professional dementia care can improve quality of life by making sure symptoms are properly checked and managed. It also gives families support and guidance to help them feel less overwhelmed.
Professional dementia care can improve the quality of life. The experts make sure to check the symptoms well and manage them properly. It also provides support and guidance to families so they don’t get overwhelmed.
FAQs
What are the first symptoms of dementia?
A person may not remember recent conversations, misplace items, repeat questions, and don’t find the right words to speak. Some people have mood and behavioral changes, such as they become impulsive, confused, and withdrawn. These signs surface gradually rather than appearing all at once.
Is memory loss always Alzheimer’s?
Memory loss can occur due to a variety of reasons that include stress, sleep problems, medication, or a head injury. While Alzheimer’s is the most common reason for memory loss related to dementia, not every thought that slips mind points to Alzheimer’s. Proper evaluation can help rule out the possibility.
Can dementia be managed at home?
People dealing with dementia can live at home with the right support in the early stages. With a consistent routine, a safe environment and help from caregivers or family, affected people can manage daily life. However, when the condition progresses, professional support becomes necessary for better safety and overall well-being.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by gradual changes in the brain that affect memory and thinking. While the real cause isn’t understood completely, experts think it includes factors like genetics, brain changes that come with age, lifestyle, and environmental triggers. It develops slowly over time and gets worse when brain cells are damaged.
