Dementia

Memory Loss or Dementia – Is the memory not supporting you even for simplest things.

Forgetting things starts with simple things. Memory loss starts with forgetting the car keys, appointments, cannot recall recent events or conversations. The first signs include :
- Disorientation i.e. confused in unfamiliar places, does not know the time of the year, cannot find the way home.
- Difficulty in speaking i.e. forgets the name of simple, well known objects, uses inappropriate words and statements.
- Difficulty in recognizing friends, co-workers or family.
- Difficulty in performing complex tasks like using a cheque book, count money, use the telephone.
- Loss of interest in hobbies and personal activities, avoids activities he/she used to enjoy.
- Troublesome behavior.
- Poor personal hygiene.

Most of the worried well cases are men. Sometimes a worried parent may bring in a child who is
a hardworking student, but is unable to do well in exams. The aware and educated are more prone to worry about forgetfulness. They are in the peak of their careers and want to do better. They ask if they can take memory enhancers but there is no such thing, changing their lifestyle is the solution. With the increasing pressures of urban life, memory complaints are on the rise.
Dementia, the progressive loss of mental ability, also begins with memory loss. It kills or damages brain cells. The most common dementia is Alzheimer’s.
Blood tests for thyroid functioning and vitamin B12 deficiency will help diagnose the problem. Cognitive and behavioral tests are also conducted. Depression is the main cause for memory loss.

- In normal ageing, you can brush teeth but in dementia, you are unable to brush your teeth.
- In normal ageing, you forget change and money but in dementia, you do not recognize money.
- In normal ageing, you understand proverbs but in dementia, you cannot interpret proverbs.
- In normal ageing, you can identify carrots and radish but in dementia, you cannot identify.
- In normal ageing, you pay more for merchandise but in dementia, you wear sweaters in summers.
- In normal ageing, you speak slowly but meaningfully but in dementia, you speak non-meaningfully and substitute inappropriate words.
- In normal ageing, you recognise objects and faces but in dementia, you cannot recognise objects and faces.
- In normal ageing, you do not work due to fatigue but in dementia, you do not work due to lack of interest.
- In normal ageing,you take extra care in a task but in dementia, you are suspicious or paranoid.
- In normal ageing, you are sad for valid reasons but in dementia, you have rapid mood swings.

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