- You may have more trouble doing things that
take planning, like making a list and going shopping.
- You may have
trouble using or understanding words.
- You may get lost in places
you know well.
Over time, people with dementia may begin to act very
differently. They may become scared and strike out at others, or they may become
clingy and childlike. They may stop brushing their teeth or bathing.
Later, they cannot take care of themselves. They may not know where they
are. They may not know their loved ones when they see them.
How is dementia diagnosed?
There is no single test
for dementia. To diagnose it, your doctor will:
- Do a physical exam.
- Ask questions
about recent and past illnesses and life events. The doctor will want to talk
to a close family member to check details.
- Ask you to do some
simple things that test your memory and other mental skills. Your doctor may
ask you to tell what day and year it is, repeat a series of words, or draw a
clock face.
The doctor may do tests to look for a cause that can be
treated. For example, you might have blood tests to check your thyroid or to
look for an infection. You might also have a test that shows a picture of your
brain, like an
or a
. These tests can help your doctor find a tumor
or brain injury. They can also show if there has been shrinking in parts of the
brain. This can be a sign of dementia.
How is it treated?
There are medicines you can
take for dementia. They cannot cure it, but they can slow it down for a while
and make it easier to live with.
As dementia gets worse, a person
may get depressed or angry and upset. Treatment, such as medicines and
counseling, may help. So can getting out more and having an active social
life.
If a stroke caused the dementia, there are things you can
do to reduce the chance of another stroke. Stay at a healthy weight, exercise,
and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels. If you have
diabetes, keep your blood sugar in your target range.
Keeping
both your mind and your body active is a good idea for anyone. So is not
smoking.
How can you help a loved one who has dementia?
There
are many things you can do to help your loved one be safe at home. For example,
get rid of throw rugs, and put handrails in bathrooms to help prevent falls.
Post reminder notes around the house. Put a list of important phone numbers by
the telephone. You also can help your loved one stay active. Play cards or
board games, and take walks.