As people age, they become more susceptible to chronic health conditions, including those that affect the brain and memory. Dementia, currently the seventh leading cause of death and disability, is one such condition. While it isn't a single disease, dementia is a general term used to describe a range of symptoms that signal a decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a specific brain disorder that leads to progressive cognitive deterioration.
Although dementia is often associated with memory loss, its symptoms can extend far beyond that, affecting various aspects of thinking, behaviour, and daily functioning.
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What Causes Dementia?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia occurs due to a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases, the global health body suggests.
In 2021, 5.7 crore people experienced dementia worldwide. Each year, there are nearly one crore new cases.
Some of the factors that increase a person's risk of dementia include:
- Age (more common in those 65 or older)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- Being overweight or obese
- smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being physically inactive
- Being socially isolated
- Depression
Symptoms Of Dementia That Go Beyond Memory Loss
“While memory decline is commonly associated with dementia, there are subtler signs that often precede or accompany cognitive deterioration,” Dr Suresh Reddy Challamalla, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, shares with the OnlyMyHealth team. These include:
Language disturbances: Difficulty finding the right words or constructing coherent sentences.
Executive dysfunction: Trouble with planning, organising, or making decisions—skills governed by the frontal lobes.
Impaired judgement and problem-solving: Making poor financial choices or showing diminished awareness of personal safety.
Anosognosia: A lack of insight into one’s own cognitive impairments, which complicates diagnosis.
Sensory misinterpretations: Misjudging distances, shapes, or perceiving shadows as threats.
These symptoms are critical to identify because they may appear before noticeable memory issues.
Behavioural And Personality Changes That Can Signal Dementia
Some dementia patients may also display changes in behaviour and personality traits. These changes include:
- Loss of empathy or emotional blunting
- Increased impulsivity or social inappropriateness
- Obsessive or repetitive behaviours
- Unexplained mood swings or depression
According to Dr Challamalla, such changes are due to the gradual degeneration of the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, affecting emotional regulation and social behaviour.
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Physical Symptoms To Watch Out For
Certain forms of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, or vascular dementia, often present with motor deficits:
- Ataxia or unsteady gait
- Muscle rigidity or bradykinesia
- Tremors or slowed movements
- Frequent falls due to balance issues
“These occur when the disease affects regions beyond the cerebral cortex, such as the basal ganglia or cerebellum. These signs should prompt neurological evaluation, especially when coupled with cognitive decline,” says Dr Challamalla.
Why Is Early Dementia Diagnosis Important?
Unfortunately, there isn't a cure for dementia. But there are several things that can be done to support both people with the illness and those caring for them.
It all starts with early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is imperative because:
- It allows for baseline cognitive assessments to monitor progression over time.
- It supports patient autonomy in decision-making for care, legal, and financial matters while the person is still capable.
- Reduces misdiagnosis: Early evaluation can rule out reversible causes of cognitive decline, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues.
Caregiver’s Guide: Steps If You Notice Symptoms In A Loved One
Dementia is not only challenging for the patient but also for the family members and caregivers taking care of them. Family members are often the first to notice subtle shifts. Here’s what they can do:
Document symptoms: Note specific behavioural, cognitive, or physical changes over time.
Consult a neurologist: A comprehensive evaluation, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing, can aid accurate diagnosis.
Create a supportive environment: Ensure safety at home and simplify routines.
Encourage social and cognitive engagement: Early-stage patients benefit from mental stimulation and social interaction.
Seek guidance and support: Connect with neurologists, geriatric care managers, and dementia support organisations.
Conclusion
Dementia is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms linked to cognitive decline, often caused by underlying brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. Recognising the early signs, beyond just memory loss, is essential for timely intervention and better management. Paying attention to changes in behaviour, personality, and physical abilities can make a significant difference. If you notice such changes in yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and support.