Just so you know – common dementia related behaviors
By James
This post concerns learning how to spot common dementia related behaviors. As we have some old farts in charge of country here in the United States. A critical skill to develop concerns spotting these behaviors. Physicians, psychologist want to hold these “dementia behavior secrets“. Note – They want to be the ones you pay to tell you a diagnosis. However, anyone can see these behaviors.
Sorry folks but dementia is not that hard to spot
A long time ago, when I was young and in school, two friends came to visit my parents. Both, were a very good family friends of my parents. I met them at the front door as both my parents were out and about. I was studying for an organic chemistry exam at home that day. Mr D, was acting strange. He was very nervous and did not recognize me. He had known and seen me since I was a child. We had many conversations about cars. A common interest we both had (he owned and ran a local car dealership).
I quickly realized something was very wrong with him mentally. He was unable to talk well. Mr D had a blank expression on his face, like what am I doing here. Then a burst of anger, at his wife as he yelled at her. These are some of the signs of dementia. Mrs D quickly took him back to the car since the visit was a bust for her. He followed her asking “what are we doing here”. When Mr D walked back to the car, he did not walk well. This was my first experience with seeing dementia due to old age. It was not my last.
Observable dementia behaviors – the Key takeaways
- Repeating the same questions over
- Subtle short-term memory changes
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Changes in mood
- Apathy
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Wandering around
- Resistance to bathing
- Incontinence
- Insomnia
- Delusions, hallucinations and paranoia
- loss of Sexual inhibitions
- Loss of appetite
- Anger
What to do when you see these behaviors in those close to you
A doctor or healthcare professional will likely refer the person to a neurologist. A neurologist can examine you or your loved one’s physical and mental health and determine whether the symptoms relate to dementia or some other issue. A neurologist may order:
- memory and mental health tests
- a neurological exam
- blood tests
- brain imaging tests