(Newswire.net — January 8, 2024) —
One of the biggest challenges faced by seniors is assessing their own actions and deciding whether cognitive slips they experience are a normal part of aging or a sign of early dementia. It’s a task that’s both difficult to face and scary to do. But Dr. Venus Nicolino says loved ones can help by paying close attention and looking for patterns that may indicate something more than simple “senior moments.”
While Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia aren’t curable, early detection allows people to take steps to strengthen their mental abilities and potentially slow loss of function.
Determining whether certain behaviors indicate early onset of dementia is ultimately a distinction that only a trained physician can make. Nicolino, who holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, advises people to not only seek professional advice if faced with the possibility of dementia in a loved one, but also to educate themselves.
Says Dr. Venus Nicolino, “Helping individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as their family members, cope with anxiety, sadness, and depression about the diagnosis requires a multidimensional approach that combines emotional support, education, and practical strategies.”
People should seek accurate and clear information about the disease, its progression, and available treatment options. Nicolino adds that doing so can “help individuals and their families understand what to expect and how to plan for the future. Education can alleviate uncertainty and fear, empowering them to make informed decisions and manage expectations.”
Signs It’s More Than Normal Cognitive Issues
Aging leads to cerebral slips. Everyone’s seen it — an older person forgets the name of a person or the street where they live. They may take an extra beat or two to come up with the right word. While these in themselves are notable and worthy of keeping an eye on, they don’t typically rise to the level of symptoms associated with early onset of dementia.
Dr. Venus Nicolino, author of the bestseller Bad Advice: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of Bulls–t, is quick to note that everyone experiences dementia differently. However, she says organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified key signs of Alzheimer’s disease based on extensive research spanning decades.
One of the most common issues is what’s known as disruptive memory loss. This refers to memory lapses that impede normal daily functioning, such as forgetting appointments or struggling with short-term memory. It manifests as difficulty recalling recently acquired information, asking the same questions repeatedly, and relying heavily on memory aids like reminder notes or depending on others to remember things.
Another sign is experiencing difficulty with tasks that once seemed effortless, according to Nicolino. Common examples include an inability to follow a familiar recipe or manage bill payments correctly. These challenges are characterized by a reduced ability to concentrate for extended periods and a decline in memory capacity.
Confusion Involving Time and Place
Early onset dementia also can lead to confusion in relation to time and place. This issue often becomes apparent in managing appointments or maintaining a regular schedule. Individuals in the early stages of dementia may struggle to remember the date of an appointment or the days of the week or month. They find it challenging to keep track of time and tend to live predominantly in the present moment.
While it’s normal to occasionally forget a word due to mild age-related cognitive changes, it becomes more significant when it becomes a regular occurrence, making it hard to articulate thoughts during conversations or to follow what others are saying. Additionally, frequent pauses in speech or the use of incorrect words are noteworthy signs.
Similarly, while everyone experiences moments of misplacing belongings, such as car keys, it becomes troubling when it becomes a habitual event. It’s particularly concerning if items are consistently misplaced because they’re being stored in different locations or if retracing steps to locate a lost item proves difficult.
As noted by Nicolino, it’s worth paying closer attention if a parent or other aging loved one develops the habit of “getting lost in familiar places, not recognizing or remembering familiar faces, or having trouble understanding and keeping track of time.”
Dr. Venus Nicolino Says To Keep an Eye Out for Social Withdrawal
Perhaps one of the most significant differences between acceptable cognitive loss and dementia involves social withdrawal. Those who have occasional cognitive slips don’t typically avoid friends and family. However, people who experience the symptoms of early dementia may withdraw from social contact due to issues such as difficulty keeping up with conversations when more than one other person is involved or following the action in a sporting event or movie.
This withdrawal may coincide with shifts in personality that lead to feelings of confusion, suspicion, depression, fearfulness, or anxiety. Those with Alzheimer’s can easily become agitated when removed from their comfort zone.
If people notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult a physician and undergo formal testing. Dr. Venus Nicolino says that people should also develop an individualized plan.
“It’s important to consult with health care professionals for personalized advice and guidance regarding cognitive health strategies, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or specific concerns,” she shares. “They can provide tailored recommendations based on your individual needs.”
Caregivers should also not neglect their own care, and should seek “emotional support through counseling services or support groups specifically tailored for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families,” she says. “These platforms provide a safe space to express emotions, share experiences, and receive guidance from others facing similar challenges. Professional counselors or therapists can also provide individual or family therapy to address specific emotional concerns.”