What are the signs that I need to take my love one to a doctor and what type of doctor do I need to go to?
- Anna Victoria Granados Villarreal
- Sep 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Early signs of dementia and Alzheimer's can be subtle and often mistaken for normal aging. However, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Here are some of the most common ones:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life: This is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease. A person with early-stage Alzheimer's may forget things more often, such as recently learned information, appointments, or where they placed important items.
Challenges in planning or solving problems: People with dementia may have difficulty developing and following plans, such as following a recipe or managing finances.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Familiar tasks, such as getting dressed, driving, or playing a favorite game, may become difficult for someone with dementia.
Confusion with time or place: A person with dementia may lose track of time, forget where they are, or wander away from home.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: People with dementia may have difficulty judging distances or navigating familiar spaces.
If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The ideal doctor to see is a neurologist who specializes in dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
These neurologists have extensive training in the nervous system and brain and can perform specific tests to assess your loved one's cognitive function. They can also rule out other possible causes of their symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or medication side effects.
In many hospitals and healthcare settings, neurologists work closely with neuropsychologists.
These are psychologists with specialized training in brain function and behavior. They can perform neuropsychological testing to assess your loved one's memory, thinking skills, and emotional state. This additional information can be crucial for the neurologist to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
A neurologist specializing in Alzheimer's disease can prescribe medications that can help to improve memory and thinking function. They can also recommend other therapies, such as cognitive stimulation therapy and social support groups, which can help people with dementia to maintain their independence and well-being.
Here are some additional tips for caring for a loved one with dementia:
Create a safe and supportive home environment.
Establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible.
Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Be patient and understanding.
Seek out support from other caregivers.
If you are concerned about a loved one's memory or thinking, it's important to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with dementia live longer, healthier lives.
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