Dementia Signs: Beyond Memory Loss – What to Watch For

Memory Loss And Signs Of Dementia: What You Need to Know

Understanding Dementia: More Than Just Forgetfulness

While occasionally forgetting appointments or misplacing keys happens to everyone, persistent memory issues may signal something more serious. As we age, the risk of developing dementia increases, making it important to recognize early warning signs. This article explores the signs and symptoms of dementia, how risk factors may differ between men and women, and how telehealth therapy can support both individuals with dementia and their loved ones.

What Is Dementia?

Many people misunderstand dementia as a specific disease, when it’s actually a term describing a collection of symptoms affecting memory, cognition, and decision-making abilities that interfere with daily functioning. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, dementia can also result from Parkinson’s disease and numerous other conditions.

Though dementia typically develops later in life, early-onset cases can occur in people as young as their 30s or 40s. In its early stages, distinguishing between normal age-related memory lapses and actual dementia symptoms can be challenging.

Types of Dementia and Potential Reversibility

According to the University of California, Irvine, dementia can be categorized in three ways: progressive, non-progressive, and potentially reversible. While most cases are irreversible and progressive, approximately 5-15% may be reversible, resulting from medications, vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems.

Categorizing Dementia by Cause

Dementia can also be classified by its underlying causes:

• Primary dementia occurs when dementia is the main illness, such as with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (resulting from strokes), frontotemporal dementia (damage to frontal and temporal lobes), and Lewy body dementia.
• Secondary dementia develops as a result of another condition, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or traumatic brain injury.
• Reversible dementia stems from treatable conditions like medication side effects, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies. Certain infections including COVID-19, HIV, and syphilis can also cause dementia-like symptoms in some cases.

Early Warning Signs of Dementia

While dementia primarily affects those over 65, early-onset dementia can begin decades earlier. Being aware of these common signs can help with early detection:

Memory-Related Symptoms

• Forgetting important events and information: Consistently missing appointments or forgetting significant details, affecting daily responsibilities and relationships
• Repeating questions: Asking the same questions repeatedly after forgetting the answers
• Misplacing items: Frequently losing everyday objects or putting them in unusual places

Cognitive and Emotional Changes

• Mood fluctuations: Experiencing sudden, unexplained shifts between emotions
• Loss of interest: Withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, hobbies, or social events
• Word-finding difficulties: Struggling to recall the right words or names of familiar objects
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness that impact daily functioning
• Increased anxiety: Excessive worry without clear causes
• Sleep disturbances: Significant changes in sleeping patterns

Advanced Symptoms

In more advanced cases, dementia can cause individuals to fail to recognize friends and family members. Daily tasks become increasingly difficult, and problem-solving abilities decline significantly.

Gender Differences in Dementia

Dementia manifests differently across genders. According to Harvard Medical School, women generally live longer than men, potentially increasing their lifetime risk of developing dementia. Women also experience menopause, which depending on timing, may influence dementia risk.

Men face their own set of risk factors. They typically have higher rates of substance use, diabetes, and heart disease—all conditions linked to increased dementia risk. Men also more frequently engage in activities with high traumatic brain injury risks, such as contact sports or combat sports.

Research indicates that when Alzheimer’s dementia develops, men are more likely to demonstrate agitation, while women tend to experience more depressive symptoms.

How Telehealth Therapy Can Help

While dementia often involves progressive cognitive decline, various treatments can help slow this progression and address associated conditions like depression and anxiety. Telehealth therapy through ReachLink offers several advantages for individuals with dementia and their caregivers:

Benefits for Individuals with Dementia

• Convenience: Eliminates transportation challenges for those who find leaving home difficult
• Familiar environment: Sessions take place in the comfort of home, reducing confusion and anxiety
• Flexible scheduling: Accommodates optimal times when cognitive function may be better
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps address depression and anxiety symptoms that often accompany dementia
• Skills development: Learn coping strategies to manage memory difficulties and emotional changes

Support for Family Members and Caregivers

ReachLink’s telehealth services also benefit those caring for loved ones with dementia:

• Caregiver counseling: Process the emotional challenges of watching a loved one change
• Education: Learn effective communication strategies and care techniques
• Stress management: Develop self-care practices to prevent burnout