Signs of Dementia Articles

Caregivers are constantly concerned about a list of responsibilities and possibilities. However, fear over developing dementia should not be on this list.

After blanking out during a recent speaking engagement, I realized how few people know about or recognize the signs of dementia. Patient perspectives are crucial to achieving a better understanding of this disease.

The increased focus on Alzheimer's research is promising, but the efforts have all but ignored one of the most devastating features of this disease: the behavioral symptoms of dementia.

Alzheimer's is a disease that evokes great fear in many people. But where do these fears come from? Are they grounded in reality, or misunderstanding?

A caregiver's perspective on when you should (and shouldn't) tell someone they have Alzheimer's disease.

The closer scientists come to developing a cure for Alzheimer's, the more they tout the necessity of being able to identify the disease earlier in its course. According to the Alzheimer's Association, earlier detection of the disease can give seniors and their families the time to process a diagnosis and make plans for the future.

Having a healthy store of cognitive reserve is thought to decrease a person's risk for developing cognitive impairment as a result of dementia. Here are 8 techniques caregivers can use to boost their own mental reserves and those of their loved ones.

Learn the differences between these three common dementia behaviors and the best techniques for how to respond to them.

The signs and symptoms of dementia vary from person to person, but certain behaviors are common indicators of increasing cognitive difficulties. Look for these red flags to determine if a loved one should seek a comprehensive medical exam.

Does your elderly loved one have dementia, or it is it just old age? Here are some dementia signs and symptoms to look for.

When will you know when your aging parents need help? Family members should look for certain warning signs to determine if their elderly parent needs help.

Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. For families whose loved one suffers, the question that eventually comes to mind is: "Will I get Alzheimer's if my parent has it?" In some cases, Alzheimer's might be hereditary.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Caregivers and families are left with many questions following a diagnosis. These conditions are classified in many different ways, depending on the progression and which parts of the brain are affected.

Yelling profanities is a behavior associated with Alzheimer's disease, but it does not mean your elderly father has Tourettes.

If your elderly mother is showing signs of dementia, getting her doctor involved is the best way to tell an elderly parent they have dementia.

Forgetfulness alone is not a sign of Alzheimer's disease. However, for caregivers, it could be indicative of other serious issues like chronic stress, sleep deprivation or burnout.

Caring for someone throughout the stages of AD can leave caregivers feeling powerless, unprepared and frustrated. Understanding how the disease affects the brain can help caregivers know more about what to expect. Alzheimer's disease is not natural aging. It is a progressive disease that causes the abnormal death of brain cells. The initial symptoms often include memory loss, but as it progresses it kills more of the brain until the person is unable to move, swallow or breathe.

5.3 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer's disease. It usually begins after age 65 and the risk goes up with age. It is a progressive disease, but progression can last up to twenty years. It damages the brain and causes complications that can lead to death, including trouble swallowing, an increased risk of choking and aspiration, and susceptibility to infection.