Uniqueness

“Those with Dementia are still people, and they still have stories…They still have character…They're all individuals, and they're all unique…They just need to be interacted with on a human level.” (Carey Mulligan)

If you notice a subtle change in a senior adult’s behavior for about six months, it may be wise to consult a doctor for advice. When most people think of Dementia, they think about memory loss (or other signs of mental disability). Very early Dementia can cause a variety of other ailments that most people may not be aware of.

Dementia is a neuro-cognitive disorder which results from the gradual death of brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is estimated that over 75% of people with Dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Other forms of dementia include:

Vascular Dementia is usually caused by a series of small strokes.
 Lew Body Dementia is the second most common form of Dementia. Frontotemporal Dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain that control personality, language, and behavior.

The early signs of Dementia are very subtle and vague, and may not be immediately obvious. Early symptoms also depend on the type of Dementia and vary a great deal from person to person. Here are some of the early signs of Dementia that we all need to be aware for the health of those older adults that are extremely important to our mental well-being.

·        Unexpected depression and apathy (where happiness and caring were)

·        Here are some of the warning signs

·        Increased suspicion

·        Lack of social judgment

·        Loss of interest (where being social reigned)

·        Memory problems (especially with recent events)

·        More easily frustrated and confused

·        Personality (or behavior) changes

·        Reduced concentration

·        Unable to do everyday tasks

 “There are all sorts of losses people suffer - from the small to the large. You can lose your keys, your glasses, [and] your virginity. You can lose your head, you can lose your heart, [and] you can lose your mind.

You can relinquish your home to move into assisted living, or have a child move overseas, or see a spouse vanish into Dementia. Loss is more than just death, and grief is the gray shape-shifter of emotion.” (Jodi Picoult) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “5 Early Signs of Dementia Everyone Should Know About” by Carina Wolff

·        “Dementia - Early Signs” (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dementia-early-signs)

·        “Dementia and Women” (http://womenandalzheimers.org/the-disease/about-alzheimers/dementia/?gclid=CjwKCAiA9f7QBRBpEiwApLGUinMCxsEtMYyHUZ_fXXnprHgfeb6Tra7UP08ejoMtiBvUTaoGTLGY6BoCfCkQAvD_BwE)