As the population ages, dementia is becoming increasingly common. Approximately 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. over age 65 are affected by dementia. By age 85, about one-third of adults have some form of dementia.
“If you have aging family members, you should learn about the signs of dementia so you can get them evaluated,” says Dr. Suzanne Corrington, a medical director for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “Early identification of reversible causes of memory and functional difficulties is crucial. For any cause of dementia, having a diagnosis allows for the most helpful care and support.”
Understanding dementia
Dr. Corrington: As we age, our brains shrink, which reduces the brain’s processing speed and slows its ability to retrieve information. However, dementia is different than normal age-related memory changes. It’s normal to forget where you put your car keys or to blank out when recalling the name of an acquaintance. It’s also normal to get distracted and temporarily lose track of what you were doing at a given moment.
A person who’s developing dementia may forget information that they recently learned. That’s one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which is one type of dementia.
Other potential signs of dementia may include:
- Personality changes
- Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood
- Forgetting the name of a common object, like a fork or the bathtub
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Forgetting the names of family members or close friends
- Forgetting how to use common objects, like the telephone or television
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks with multiple steps, like parking a car or making a favorite recipe
- Trouble managing money
Sometimes people with dementia know that something is wrong. They may even try to hide lapses or explain away mistakes. They may also retain their social skills until their dementia is severe.
A medical evaluation is essential
Dr. Corrington: If you suspect a loved one might be developing dementia, talk to them. Have a gentle, supportive conversation with them and encourage them to see their primary care provider. Screening tests like Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) can determine if more evaluation is prudent. Their doctor may want to start with evaluations to rule out other conditions that can mimic dementia or may be more amenable to treatment:
- Hearing and vision tests
- Depression screening
- Sleep apnea screening
- Deficiency of vitamin B12 or vitamin D
- Thyroid abnormalty
- Evidence of a stroke
The doctor may also want to review medications your loved one is taking, since some medicines can cause symptoms like dementia.
Resources are available
Dr. Corrington: To some degree, the diagnosis will affect where you might seek help. Dementia is a term used to describe different conditions. You can have symptoms which result from Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, or others.
Once you have a specific diagnosis, you can reach out to organizations for additional resources and support. These include the Alzheimer’s Association and the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Resource Finder has information about medical services and at-home care. They also have a help line that is available 24/7. Your doctor may also suggest local resources for support, such as respite care for caregivers and adult daycare programs.
“Don’t rule out online support groups for caregivers,” Dr. Corrington says. “You can learn a lot about relevant issues from others with experience. Plus, it can help you to connect with other people who know what you’re going through.”
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.