In an interview this past week with Dr. Gayatri Devi, an internationally known dementia expert with Hofstra University in New York, I was happy to learn that little things like losing your car keys, not remembering someone’s name, and occasionally not remembering the name of an unusual object (i.e. azalea) are not symptoms of dementia or losing your mind. These are occasional hiccups of the brain that we all experience. However, since I seem to be getting more hiccups lately, I wondered what the true symptoms of early dementia are? Here’s my review of a few of the more significant symptoms:
- Repeating questions, inability to recall details of recent events.
- Imprecise language, word substitutions.
- Problem-solving, balancing the checkbook, and managing finances.
- Getting lost in familiar locations, losing track of seasons (forgetting dates is normal).
- Inattention to personal hygiene.
- Apathy and losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- New onset of unusual anxiety, depression, irritability.
- Becoming easily upset or confused.
What separates these symptoms from normal mental hiccups is that they persist, become more frequent, and progressively worsen over time. Screening tools, such as the Mini-Cog and the Quick Dementia Rating System, can be done by your doctor to help decide if further workup is needed. The importance of recognizing these early symptoms is that dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer’s type, can be treated. Treatment is more effective when started early in the process. While at this time, there is no cure, treatment, both current and those in the approval process, will be discussed next week.
Dr. Charlie Barnett is a contributor to KnoxTNToday, where he writes the weekly column DocTalk, sharing his expertise in health and wellness.
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