Blog: Dementia - Dr Martin Shanouda 

 
dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is a term which is used to describe symptoms linked with memory loss, difficulty thinking, difficulty with problem solving or even with language. The things that seemed simple once before start to become a daily struggle and often times it is the loved ones who pick up on it. 

There are about 4 main types of dementia, its not a one size fits all diagnosis. The type of dementia depends on the age, features, and past medical history in addition to the cognitive score to start with. Understanding this will help guide your doctors investigation and treatment.

Symptoms don’t come all at once, its more gradual, not so much of sudden onset in most cases. Patients who come into clinic usually begin to tell me that they are misplacing things or becoming forgetful ‘at least that’s what my wife / husband says’ they tell me. On the other hand, when the patient has a loved one with them in the consultation room they usually say that they seem different, they don’t concentrate on things like before or simply not coping with familiar daily tasks along with issues with memory and misplacing common things.

 

What should loved ones look out for? 

Are you worried that someone close to you may be starting to have dementia? Wondering what to look out for? 

Here are a few signs and symptoms to be mindful of if suspecting dementia:

  • Memory loss
  • Mood changes
  • Personality changes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Daily tasks become difficult
  • Asking questions repetitively
  • Becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Bladder incontinence
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What do to if you or your loved ones think you have dementia 

First and foremost don’t panic or be afraid. Have a chat with your loved ones, let them know your concerns and also listen to their concerns. 

If you think that you have any of these symptoms which were listed, or a loved one told you that they think you have these symptoms then please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss further. Feel free to bring your loved one with you to support you and also possibly talk about their perspective.

Your doctor will be able to distinguish between different features and order tests they see necessary. There are also specialist services that they can refer you to at a later time if they feel appropriate. Don’t wait, make an appointment today. 

 

See your doctor 

When someone hears the words dementia, usually alarm bells and panic start to set in. I tend to get the impression that they feel they will be written off, forgotten by those closest to them, and suddenly lose priority when it comes to getting a doctor’s appointment.

This isn’t true, although there is no cure for dementia, there is still treatment to help relieve some of its symptoms and at times slow down the progression. There are also a number of support groups to help you and loved ones such as Dementia UK and Age UK. Reach out to your doctor to see how they can help you.

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Published: Sep 11, 2024