Dementia is a disease that causes slow mental decline which in turn effects the patients thinking and resolving of daily tasks. Early signs of Dementia may include some of the following.
Memory Loss, Being more confused, Speech difficulties, Difficulty in performing daily tasks, Instability effecting balance, Mood swings, Swallowing, Difficulty with Toilet necessities, Lack of awareness, problem solving, unable to comprehend surroundings, confusion over the time of day, and possible visual impairment.
The patient may over time experience some of the above symptoms, so if you notice any change in your loved ones behaviour or a change in their normal habits or routine no matter how small a change it might be, if you have noticed the change then the change needs checking and your first port of call is your GP who may after his or her initial examination may go on to make an appointment for the patient to attend a specialist dementia assessment clinic where a more in depth examination will take place.
You may be a little reluctant to get an initial examination fearing what other family and close friends of the patient may say as stigma, discrimination and homophobia still exist around Dementia, however Granny cannot emphasize enough that the patients well being and care must always be the main priority.
Do not put off or delay the initial consultation with your G P as early diagnosis is so important to treatment and my help living with the disease to be better managed and may also give you more time with the loved one as you currently know them.
