Beyond memory loss: the human side of dementia
First, you notice the small changes. It may be challenging to find the right word or remember the name of someone you just met.You may forget where you placed your keys when you came home from the grocery store. Overall, you feel healthy, and these instances are easily brushed off as a normal part of aging or the result of poor sleep the night before. However, over time, these instances become more frequent, and you start to miss appointments or struggle to organize your shopping list. If this sounds like you or someone you know, it is time to seek medical help to get screened for dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, that cause abnormal brain changes. Over six million adults in the U.S. are living with dementia.There is no clearly identified cause for dementia, but risk factors include age, genetics, family history and lifestyle choices.The cognitive decline associated with dementia may impact a person’s memory, thinking, mood, behavior and functioning. As the disease progresses, the person will need greater assistance with everyday tasks, such as balancing their checkbook, driving, preparing meals and grocery shopping, and eventually with personal care, such as dressing, bathing and toileting.Though new research has identified promising medications to treat the symptoms and slow the disease progression, there is no cure for dementia.
