Diagnosing and Managing Dementia – What Every Adult Should Know

Dementia is a general term for conditions that cause memory loss and cognitive decline. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys connections between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and causes other complex structural brain changes.

Over 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and the rates are rising every year. Dementia in yourself or a loved one can lead to tremendous impairments that can change the family dynamic and lead to seeking long-term care. 

With this in mind, learning the early signs of dementia and how treatment works can greatly benefit you and your loved ones. 

At Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, Texas, board-certified internists Tomas Rios, MD, and Nicolin Neal, MD, take a personalized and adaptable approach to dementia care. This article provides a brief overview of dementia and its care, including the signs to look for so you can seek dementia care as early as possible. 

Recognizing dementia in adulthood – early signs

The earliest signs of dementia vary from person to person, but dementia patients generally experience memory loss and a reduced ability to perform daily tasks. Some of the most common symptoms of dementia are:

• Memory decline
• Spatial disorientation and poor coordination
• Trouble with verbal expression and finding words
• Trouble with planning and organization

You might suddenly find that you have trouble keeping track of appointments and responsibilities or that you frequently lose important items. You should let your physician know right away if you notice consistent changes in the way you think or behave. 

Symptoms of Azheimer’s dementia typically appear in a person’s mid-60s, but it’s also possible to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s as soon as your 30s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is exceedingly rare. Regardless of age, our experts work to narrow down the cause of your symptoms through physical exams, lab tests, and functional cognitive testing.

Is dementia preventable?

Dementia is not yet preventable or curable, but there are steps you can take today to potentially lower your risk or slow its progression later in life. Although some causes of dementia are completely out of your hands, like Parkinson’s disease or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), other causes like vascular disease are slightly more within your control. 

Here are a few common recommendations for dementia risk reduction:

• Managing your weight
• Getting more exercise
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling hypertension

Talk to Dr. Rios and Dr. Neal about other ways to improve your vascular health to reduce the risk of vascular dementia. 

Taking action to treat dementia

The first step in managing dementia is identifying its underlying cause. Once our experts establish a cause for your dementia, they can customize your care plan based on your needs. Sometimes, a direct cause isn’t identifiable. 

Treating specific symptoms of dementia, such as depression or sleep problems, is a critical part of maintaining your quality of life. Our experts might recommend sleep aids or sleep hygiene to improve your sleep, for example. 

Your personalized dementia management plan might also include occupational therapy to help you develop coping skills and practice daily tasks. Our team might also recommend fall prevention physical therapy to help you avoid unnecessary and complex injuries resulting from reduced coordination.

If you notice changes in the way you or a loved one behaves, checking in with your physician is always an important course of action. Call Rios Healthcare Associates or request an appointment online today for professional, compassionate dementia care.