When most Canadians think about dementia, memory loss and confusion immediately come to mind. While these are certainly hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, focusing solely on these obvious signs means we might miss crucial early warnings that could lead to earlier diagnosis and better care.
The Hidden Early Warning Signs
According to neurologists, some of the earliest indicators of dementia have nothing to do with memory. Dr. Arif Dalvi, a neurologist and physician chief of the Movement Disorders Program at Delray Medical Center, explains that language difficulties often appear well before memory problems become noticeable.
"Difficulty with language including word-finding difficulty, incorrect sentence construction or difficulty with self-expression can present well before the loss of memory," Dalvi notes. While everyone occasionally struggles to find the right word, when this becomes a consistent pattern, it could signal an underlying issue.
Another early red flag involves spatial awareness and navigation. "Visual or spatial skills can also be affected early," Dalvi continues. "A common way this presents is difficulty navigating a previously familiar route or needing GPS directions to a route that was previously known."
Less Common But Equally Important Symptoms
Beyond language and spatial issues, several other subtle changes might indicate early cognitive decline. Dr. Stanley Appel, neurologist and director of the Ann Kimball & John W. Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics at Houston Methodist, identifies several often-overlooked symptoms:
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Increased sensitivity to noise
- Changes in taste and smell perception
Dalvi adds that personality changes should also raise concerns. "An abrupt change in personality or mood without underlying explanation should also raise a red flag."
In some specific forms of dementia, more unusual symptoms might appear. "Some types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, can cause hallucinations or delusions," Appel explains. However, he emphasizes that hallucinations can have multiple causes, so any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
When to Seek Help and What Treatment Offers
With approximately 6.7 million Americans over 65 living with Alzheimer's, understanding when to seek screening is crucial. While there's no "official" age for dementia screening, Dalvi suggests that since incidence rises significantly after age 65, this represents a good time for initial cognitive assessment.
"Screening for hearing loss at this age is also important as it is estimated that 1 out of 9 dementias can be explained on the basis of age-related hearing loss," he notes. Physicians can also check for reversible causes of memory issues, including vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid problems.
Although dementia currently has no cure, both experts stress that early diagnosis dramatically improves quality of life and can slow disease progression. "Traditional treatment options, such as medication to manage symptoms, recommendations for lifestyle changes and referrals to support services like occupational and speech therapy are vital in maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being," Appel says.
Recent medical breakthroughs offer additional hope. The FDA has approved two new Alzheimer's drugs: Aduhelm (aducanumab) and Leqembi (lecanemab). These medications target amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. While Aduhelm's approval has been controversial, studies show both drugs can slow cognitive decline in certain patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
Researchers are exploring other innovative approaches, including suppressing neuroinflammation with regulatory T-cells and using advances in gene therapy. "These breakthroughs in medical science offer hope for individuals with dementia and their families," Appel states.
Most importantly, both neurologists emphasize that there should be no stigma associated with dementia screening. "An early and accurate diagnosis allows a plan to be put in place for either treating or slowing the cause of dementia," Appel concludes. For Canadians experiencing any concerning symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider represents the first step toward better management and potentially slower progression of cognitive changes.
