Dementia is a serious illness that reflects a decline in a person's mental abilities. Of all persons over age 65, 5-8% show symptoms of dementia. This percentage increases considerably with age.

Prevalence of Dementia

•  Over Age 65    5-8%
•  Over Age 75    15-20%
•  Over Age 85    25-50%

The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague, and may not be immediately obvious. Early symptoms also vary a great deal. Usually, though, people first seem to notice that there is a problem with memory, particularly in remembering recent events.

Other Common Symptoms Include: 

• Confusion
• Personality Change
• Apathy and Withdrawal
• Loss of Ability to do Everyday Tasks

Sometimes people fail to recognize these symptoms indicate that something is wrong. They may mistakenly assume that such behavior is a normal part of the aging process. Or else, symptoms may develop and go gradually unnoticed for a long time. Sometimes, people refuse to act even when they know something is wrong.

Ten Warning Signs

1. Recent memory loss that affects job skills
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative.

Many conditions have symptoms that are similar to dementia, so it is important not to assume that someone has dementia, just because some of the above symptoms are present. Strokes, depression, alcoholism, infections, hormone disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and brain tumors can all cause dementia-like symptoms. Many of these conditions can be treated. Consulting a physician, psychiatrist, and psychologist to obtain a diagnosis at an early stage is critical. A complete medical and neuropsychological assessment may identify a treatable condition and ensure that it is treated correctly, or it may confirm the presence of dementia.

Depending on the cause of dementia there are different treatments available. One of the most recent promising advances is the development of the cholinesterase inhibitors. These are medications that have proven to slow the progression of the disorder. They include Aricept, Excelon, and Namenda.  In clinical trials performed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) these medicines have been effective in slowing the progression of dementia over a five-year trial period. Namenda has been utilized in treating more advanced forms of the disorder.

It is important to seek advice from mental health experts who can assist in helping monitor the changes that develop with dementia. Various decisions will need to be made as to ensure the level of care is appropriate.

###