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Dementias / 
Mild Cognitive Impairment

Dementia refers to the loss or change of cognitive abilities (i.e. memory, language, problem-solving abilities) to such an extent that daily life is impacted and impaired. Dementia is not a singular disease, but rather an umbrella term which includes Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Lewy body dementia, amongst others. Changes in memory or other cognitive loss may also be present prior to effects on daily life (i.e. mild cognitive impairment). 

Read some of the early signs of dementia below.

Short Term Memory

Difficulty remembering recently learned information is one of the first signs of a dementia, as is repeatedly asking the same question.

Problem Solving

The ability to create and follow a plan or come up with a solution to a problem is impaired, such as figuring out how to put furniture together or steps to check voicemail calls or send texts.

Instructions

The ability to follow multi-step instructions, such as a recipe or bill payment, may become more difficult.

Misplacing Items

Struggling to recall where they or an item is located. For items, placing them in strange places, and sometimes accusing others of stealing when the item can't be found.

Dates & Disorientation

Difficulty remembering or increased reliance on aids to remember appointment dates. Trouble remembering to pay bills, taking medications, grocery shopping, or tracking the change in seasons.

Familiar Tasks

Activities that were once routine may become more difficult. Remembering how to drive to a location, or play a favorite game are two examples.

Language

Losing track of conversation and/or difficulty coming up with the right word in conversation.

Mood & Personality

Disengagement from social activities, related to forgetting details about those interactions. There may be increased confusion, aggression, depression, fear, and/or suspicion when outside of their comfort zone.

All of this information and more can be found through alz.org/.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you or a loved one suspect a dementia or early memory changes, consider visiting a neuropsychologist at CCAC for diagnosis and post-diagnostic options.

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