727-525-0900The Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by the impairment of at least two brain functions. The most well-known and common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, but other types exist as well, such as vascular dementia and Lewy Body dementia. Each type of dementia has similar symptoms, albeit different causes.
The early signs of dementia to look out for include:
- Loss of memory that affects day-to-day life, such as forgetting familiar people’s names, not showing up to scheduled appointments, or not remembering to attend planned outings
- Loss of problem solving skills, such as the ability to plan a schedule or figure out a payment mistake
- Familiar tasks are suddenly difficult, such as reading, cooking, or doing a favorite hobby
- Disorientation to time and/or place, such as suddenly not knowing where you are or what day/month/year it is
- Balance problems caused by issues with spatial relationships, like depth perception
- Trouble thinking of familiar words
- Misplacing items frequently, such as car keys, wallets/purses, or glasses
- Inability to retrace steps when something is misplaced
- Sudden decrease in judgment skills, like driving to a store at night in a bad neighborhood for no reason
- Social isolation that is otherwise unexplained
- Mood or personality changes, such as sudden intro- or extroversion, depression, or mania
Are you or a loved one experiencing any of the signs listed above?
If you or someone you care for is experiencing early signs of dementia, getting help as soon as possible is imperative. Early diagnosis and treatment is one of the best ways to slow the progression of dementia. For certain types of dementia, such as autoimmune dementia, early treatment can completely reverse symptoms!
If you live in the Tampa Bay area and aren’t sure where to turn for help, trust the expert internist Kavita Rao and her professional team with all of your disease management needs. We have the experience required to accurately identify dementia, determine the cause, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that works for the patient and their lifestyle. Call (727) 525-0900 or contact us online to set up an appointment to discuss your symptoms today.