When we think about dementia, we often imagine memory loss and confusion. While these are indeed symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common form, missing subtler signs can delay diagnosis and care. With an estimated 6.7 million Americans over 65 living with Alzheimer's, dementia is far from rare. So, what dementia-related signs should you watch for in yourself or others? And when should you see a doctor for a dementia screening? Here is everything you need to know.
Spatial Issues and Language Difficulties Are Early Indicators
The biggest early signs involve spatial issues along with trouble with speech and directions. While everyone forgets a word occasionally, if this becomes a pattern, it could signal a problem. "Difficulty with language including word-finding difficulty, incorrect sentence construction or difficulty with self-expression can present well before the loss of memory," said Dr. Arif Dalvi, a neurologist and physician chief of the Movement Disorders Program at Delray Medical Center. It is easy to dismiss this, but it is important to monitor the frequency of such behavior. Additionally, you may notice a change in your sense of direction. "Visual or spatial skills can also be affected early," Dalvi continued. "A common way this presents is difficulty navigating a previously familiar route or needing GPS directions to a route that was previously known."
Other Red Flags to Pay Attention To
Other less commonly recognized symptoms include difficulty completing familiar tasks, noise sensitivity, and a change in taste and smell, according to Dr. Stanley Appel, neurologist and director of the Ann Kimball & John W. Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics at Houston Methodist. "An abrupt change in personality or mood without underlying explanation should also raise a red flag," Dalvi added. More rarely, some symptoms may resemble other neurological issues. "Some types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, can cause hallucinations or delusions," Appel explained. "It is crucial to note that hallucinations can also result from other causes, and any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a health care provider."
Seek Medical Advice Promptly
Sadly, there is no cure for dementia. However, both experts emphasized that an early diagnosis can improve quality of life and 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 said. In recent years, there have been significant breakthroughs in Alzheimer's treatment. "The FDA has approved two new drugs, Aduhelm (aducanumab) and Leqembi (lecanemab), that target the buildup of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease," Appel said. "Although the approval of Aduhelm has been controversial, some studies have shown that it can slow cognitive decline in certain patients. On the other hand, clinical trials have shown that Leqembi can slow cognitive decline in certain patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease." In addition to reducing amyloid plaques, some doctors are exploring other innovative approaches, such as suppressing neuroinflammation with regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and using advances in gene therapy. "These breakthroughs in medical science offer hope for individuals with dementia and their families," he said.
When to Get Screened for Dementia
There is no official age to get a dementia screening, but it is always a good idea to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Dalvi emphasized that since dementia incidence rises with age, particularly after 65, that is a good time for a simple dementia screening such as a mini cognitive assessment. Physicians can also check for reversible causes of memory loss, like vitamin B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism. "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 said. While there may not be a complete cure for dementia and Alzheimer's, doctors can do a lot once a diagnosis is made. "There should be no stigma associated with screening for dementia," Appel said. "An early and accurate diagnosis allows a plan to be put in place for either treating or slowing the cause of dementia."
This story was originally published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
