In the United States, 6. People with dementia have symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with daily life—including disruptions in language, memory, attention, recognition, problem solving, and decision-making. Signs to watch for include:. Alzheimer's disease or related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging.
There are 7 ways to help maintain your brain health. If you have one or more of the 10 warning signs , please see your health care provider. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance to seek treatment and time to plan for the future.
Studies show that healthy behaviors, which can prevent some kinds of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease may also reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Symptoms of some vitamin deficiencies and medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, hypothyroidism underactive thyroid external icon , or normal pressure hydrocephalus external icon a neurological condition caused by the build-up of fluid in the brain can mimic dementia.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause dementia-like symptoms. If you have these symptoms, it is important to talk to your health care provider to find out if there are any underlying causes for these symptoms.
A decline in previous levels of functioning. Memory loss not explained by a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia. Cognitive and behavioral impairment, including: Difficulty acquiring and remembering new information Decreased ability to reason and handle complex tasks Poor decision-making Impaired language function Impaired visuospatial abilities A change in personality, behavior or comportment.
The normal aging process While people who experience some memory loss may fear the worst, certain symptoms are part of normal aging and are not caused by dementia, says Dr. Signs of memory loss related to the normal aging process include: Having memory impairment, but responding to clues or multiple choice options Minor delay in word finding Retaining visuospatial function Retaining social skills No change in activities of daily living If you are concerned about memory loss or believe a loved one may exhibit symptoms of memory loss, talk with your physician.
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People with memory problems should make a follow-up appointment to check their memory every six to 12 months. They can ask a family member, friend, or the doctor's office to remind them if they're worried they'll forget.
Learn more about cognitive health and Alzheimer's and related dementias. Read about this topic in Spanish. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke toll-free braininfo ninds. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. What Are the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease?
What's normal forgetfulness and what's not? Read and share this infographic to learn whether forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include: Asking the same questions over and over again Getting lost in places a person knows well Having trouble following recipes or directions Becoming more confused about time, people, and places Not taking care of oneself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely Mild cognitive impairment Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment , or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age.
Signs of MCI include: Losing things often Forgetting to go to important events or appointments Having more trouble coming up with desired words than other people of the same age If you have MCI, visit your doctor every six to 12 months to track changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. Dementia and aging Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
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