Dementia Isn’t Just About Memory
Did you know memory loss is not always the first symptom when someone is beginning to experience cognitive decline, often referred to as “dementia?”
“Dementia” is actually a group of symptoms caused by a disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of a dementia, resulting in a decline in cognitive abilities. Other dementia’s are vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and early on-set Alzheimer’s disease, with symptoms appearing before the age of 65.
Research shows amyloid changes in the biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease have been found as early as 15 years prior to noticeable changes. Memory loss is actually one of the last symptoms of Lewy Body dementia.
Because there are over 100 types of dementia, referring to “a dementia” acknowledges the person has one specific type of a dementia, much like identifying the specific type of cancer someone might have. Understanding and recognizing early symptoms of cognitive decline can result in early treatment approaches and better outcomes for the person and the family. Early symptoms may include loss of smell, difficulty with vision and depth perception, falling victim to a scam due to a decline in judgment, and poor decision making.
Other symptoms could be a change in mood or subtle personality changes, increase anxiety, becoming socially withdrawn, loss of interest in hobbies and difficulty finding words.
Having a family member or friend diagnosed with “a dementia” is an unexpected and life changing pivotal moment for everyone. The person (and the family) is “living” with a dementia, and with a proper diagnosis, early intervention, and learning strategies for support you can create meaningful relationships and improve quality of life.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Memory Cafe or Family and Friends Workshops, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.