The Symptoms Of Dementia That I Noticed with My Mum
It is widely held that there are seven classic symptoms of dementia.
The majority of Dementia sufferers have Alzheimer's disease (50%-70%), but there are other types of Dementia. My Mum was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. We were warned by medical specialists and our Alzheimer's Association counselor that it was more aggressive than Alzheimer's disease. They were right.
Looking back these were the symptoms of dementia I noticed with my Mum:
No noticeable impairment
Commencement of paranoia as evidence by suspicion of family members (very mild decline)
Development of severe paranoia that interfered with her daily life and belief that her security at home was threatened (Mild decline)
Decline in judgment and ability to organize her daily activities as her memory started to fail significantly. This was accompanied by an increase in aggression towards those that loved and cared for her. Mum had no insight. (Moderate decline)
A fall and a trip to hospital after a urinary tract infection led to an assessment and diagnosis at a specialist geriatric center. Mum was also a diabetic and was starting to have trouble with her medication. (Moderate decline)
Mum's financial position was strong and we could select (with help) a very good aged care facility that catered for dementia and aging in place. This, I discovered means that as a person gets more incapacitated their level of care increases. (Moderately severe decline)
Mum's memory started to decline quickly as other health issues started to combine with Dementia. Within the space of eighteen months Mum had progressed from low level care to high care in hospital (Severe decline at late stage)
It is hard to classify Dementia like Mum's by stages. What is clear is that early diagnosis and acceptance of help by the sufferer is very important as is giving Dementia sufferers the tools to live with the Disease. You can read here how people like to be treated and told about their dementia
Managing your Brain Fitness is a critical issue. Do use our memory improvement tools and articles to help you keep your mind alert and complete throughout your life.
