Dementia signs: Here are the signs, symptoms and care for the disease

Dementia is a syndrome generally of a chronic or progressive nature. In this disease, there is a deterioration in the ability to think i.e. cognitive function in normal ageing. It disturbs the memory, learning capacity, judgement, language. The loss in cognitive function is occasionally preceded by deterioration in emotional control, social behaviour, or motivation. Dementia results from a variety of diseases that primarily and secondarily affects the brain, like Alzheimer’s or stroke. WHO recognizes dementia as a public health priority. In May 2017, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025. 

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As reported by the WHO, Dementia is a disability mostly noticed among older people worldwide. The influence of dementia on career, family, society can be physical, psychological, social and economic. Hence it is important to have proper knowledge of symptoms and signs of dementia at different stages.

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Signs and Symptoms of Dementia, according to the World Health Organisation

Dementia affects different people in different ways, depends upon the impact of the disease and one’s temperament before becoming ill. The signs and symptoms related to dementia can be explained in three stages.

Early-stage: The early stage of dementia is often unnoticed because the start is slow. The common symptoms and signs in the early stage include loss of memory and losing track of time.

Middle stage: As dementia precedes to the middle stage, the signs and symptoms become clearer, stronger and more restricting. The middle stage of dementia includes the following signs and symptoms:

• Losing memory of recent events or actions and people's names

• Getting zoned out

• Facing difficulty in communicating with people

• Suffering behaviour changes, including wandering and redundant questioning

Later stage: The symptoms of the later stage include total dependency on others and inactivity. Memory disorders are serious and symptoms become more noticeable. The later stage signs and symptoms include:

• Becoming unconscious or unaware of the time and place

• Facing difficulty in recognising relatives, family and friends

• An increasing need for support and self-care

• Facing difficulty in walking

• Suffering severe behaviour changes that may increase and include aggression

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Treatment and care:

There is no treatment presently available for dementia or to alter its progressive growth. A large number of new treatments are being studied in various stages of medical trials. However, much can be offered to support and recover the lives of people suffering from dementia. The major points for dementia care are:

• Early diagnosis in order to help initial and optimal management
• Enhancing physical health, cognition, activity and well-being
• Identifying and handling additional physical illness
• Detecting and taking proper precautions for challenging behavioural and psychological symptoms

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DISCLAIMER: The above information is taken from various WHO reports. However, people may face any other dementia symptoms as per their medical condition as well. Please be advised to consult your doctor to detect early signs