What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the brain and lead to a decline in cognitive function. Common symptoms of dementia usually develop gradually and can vary depending on the specific type. Most people experience problems with memory, language, orientation, and behavior.
Memory problems
Memory loss is often one of the earliest signs of dementia. It mainly involves difficulty remembering new information. A person may repeat the same questions, lose track during conversations, or forget recent events and planned activities.
Difficulty with planning and problem-solving
Dementia often makes it harder to make decisions and organize daily life. Many people struggle to follow instructions, manage tasks, or handle finances, medications, and household chores. Activities that once felt simple can become overwhelming.
Impaired judgment
Changes in judgment are also common. A person may make unusual or illogical decisions and behave in ways that differ from their previous personality. Suspicion or difficulty interpreting social situations may also occur.
Language difficulties
Dementia often affects language. It can become difficult to find the right words, and sometimes incorrect words are used in the wrong context. Some people also struggle to understand longer sentences or express themselves clearly.
Reduced sense of orientation
A person with dementia may have difficulty orienting themselves in time and space. This can include getting lost in familiar places or losing track of dates, time, or seasons.
Changes in behavior and mood
Personality and mood changes are common. People may become more irritable, anxious, or depressed. It is also common to withdraw from social activities and lose interest in things that were previously important.
In addition to these cognitive symptoms, dementia can also cause physical symptoms, especially in later stages. These may include balance problems, stiffness, slowed movements, or difficulty swallowing. Sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, and weight loss are also common in more advanced dementia.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia
There are several types of dementia, and symptoms vary depending on which areas of the brain are affected. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for the majority of cases. Other common types include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Some primarily affect memory, while others more strongly impact concentration, behavior, or motor function.
Vascular dementia – related to blood vessels and stroke
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It may occur after a stroke or as a result of repeated small blood clots that gradually damage brain tissue.
Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms of vascular dementia may appear suddenly, for example after a stroke, or develop stepwise with periods of decline. Common symptoms include reduced concentration, slower thinking, and difficulty planning and making decisions. Many people also experience walking difficulties or an unsteady gait. Memory problems can occur but are often less prominent in the early stages compared to Alzheimer’s disease.
Lewy body dementia – affects both cognition and movement
Lewy body dementia is caused by deposits of a protein in the brain, known as Lewy bodies. The condition affects both cognitive function and physical movement.
Typical symptoms include visual hallucinations, which often occur early in the disease, as well as fluctuating attention where a person may be alert one moment and confused the next. Many also develop motor symptoms such as stiffness, slow movements, and tremors, similar to Parkinson’s disease. This combination of symptoms can sometimes make diagnosis more complex.
Early signs of dementia
Early symptoms of dementia can be difficult to detect, especially for the person affected. Often, family members or close relatives are the first to notice changes. These may include difficulty following conversations, loss of interest in activities, or increased forgetfulness and confusion in everyday situations.
Recognizing early signs of dementia is important. The earlier the condition is identified, the better the chances of slowing its progression and planning appropriate support.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should contact healthcare services if memory problems or other cognitive difficulties begin to affect your daily life. This includes difficulty managing finances, medications, or everyday tasks. Changes in behavior or personality are also important warning signs. If you are concerned about a loved one, it is also important to seek help.
An early dementia assessment can determine whether symptoms are caused by dementia or other conditions, such as depression, nutritional deficiencies, or medication side effects.
How a dementia assessment is carried out
If dementia is suspected, an assessment is performed to establish a diagnosis. It usually begins with a consultation where symptoms and medical history are reviewed. This is followed by memory tests and other cognitive assessments to evaluate brain function.
Blood tests are taken to rule out other causes of symptoms, and in many cases brain imaging is performed, such as CT or MRI dementia. Finally, a doctor—often together with a team of specialists—makes an overall evaluation.
The assessment typically starts at a primary care clinic, but referral to a specialist in geriatrics, neurology, or psychiatry may be necessary.
Treatment and support for dementia
There is currently no cure for dementia, but medications and supportive interventions can help relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. Early and appropriate support can make a significant difference in quality of life.
Support from healthcare providers, family members, and society plays an important role. An early diagnosis allows for better planning and access to the right care and resources.