Responses to a diagnosis of dementia may range from astonishment and extreme sadness to anger and despair because it is a disorder that dramatically impacts one’s quality of life. But it also can be a relief for a lot of folks. 

Why early diagnosis of dementia is important? A diagnosis can offer long-needed explanations for failing memory, communication issues, and behavioural abnormalities.

Dementia care homes in Chennai are perfect for early diagnosis. While one can still make critical choices about one’s care and support needs, as well as choices regarding money and legal issues, it is beneficial. Receiving relevant knowledge, counsel, and direction, as they deal with new issues is also beneficial for individuals and their families.

The Implications of a Diagnosis

A significant study on the advantages of early diagnosis reveals that receiving a diagnosis is frequently met with extreme shock and feelings of disbelief, rage, loss, and grief. Therefore, once the initial shock has faded, a diagnosis is frequently seen as a “good event” by persons with dementia and their loved ones.

How a person with dementia is informed of their diagnosis and the quality of care offered to them and their families after the diagnosis are crucial factors in determining how they will react.

Therefore, the dementia diagnosis must be presented to the patient and family positively, with time set aside to address any concerns and offer comfort and support.

Early Dementia Symptoms

Finding the first dementia symptoms in a person we are caring for might be challenging. Many of us may assume that if someone is having trouble remembering names, keeping up with conversations, or recalling what they did yesterday, they are becoming older. 

However, it could be a sign that they are experiencing the early stages of dementia. Here are some of the dementia symptoms:-

• Memory Problems

We’ve all experienced losing our house or car keys, forgetting someone’s name, or losing our passports at some point. As we age, our memory may become less accurate, or it may be momentarily affected by the pressures of daily life, melancholy, worry, ill health, and drug side effects.

• Loss of Communication Abilities

Someone may exhibit early dementia symptoms if they have trouble following or joining a conversation, repeating questions, words, or phrases, or having trouble saying or finding the right words. Someone may have trouble understanding what is being said, appear confused or puzzled, or nod in agreement without responding.

• Changes in Behaviour

Early detection of dementia could include becoming silent, introverted, restless, and furious. Someone may exhibit repetitive behaviour, such as asking the same question frequently, performing the same action repeatedly, or making numerous phone calls to the same individual.

They might start hiding things or losing them, or they can feel anxious and uneasy. They might stop participating in social activities or give up long-held interests and hobbies.

A Loss in Daily Skills Dementia may be indicated by a home that is not kept up as well as it normally is (perhaps not cleaned, with expired food in the refrigerator, or with an untidy garden). Many of the tasks they typically perform, like food preparation, housework, and healthy eating and drinking, may become impossible for them to perform.

• A Loss in Daily Skills

Dementia may be indicated by a home that is not kept up as well as it normally is (perhaps not cleaned, with expired food in the refrigerator, or with an untidy garden). Many of the tasks they typically perform, like food preparation, housework, and healthy eating and drinking, may become impossible for them to perform.

Benefits of Early Diagnosis of Dementia

After a prompt diagnosis, people with dementia can lead happy lives for many years. Early diagnosis of dementia enables the patient and family to understand the condition better, establish reasonable expectations, and make mutual plans for the future.

• Treatments Can be Performed More Successfully

Jagruti Dementia Centre treatment for illness and other dementias is the most effective when started early in the disease process. This covers both prescription medications and a few complementary therapies.

• You Can Pay Attention to What Matters

With the benefits of early diagnosis of dementia, you may decide when to stop working, go on holiday, or pursue new goals that are essential to you.

• You are Best Positioned to Speak Openly

You can unite with other people with dementia who are speaking up, bringing attention to the condition, the need for high-quality care, and the need for more funding for research.

• You Receive a Precise Diagnosis So You Can be Prepared

Some curable diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms. For instance, low vitamin levels, thyroid issues, sleep issues, alcoholism, or depression. Similar to this, impaired vision or hearing are potential sources of perplexity. Due to this, if you detect any changes in abilities or behaviours, it’s crucial to arrange for a thorough medical assessment.

How is Dementia Identified?

Doctors first determine whether a patient has an underlying, potentially curable disease that could be connected to cognitive difficulties before diagnosing dementia. Blood tests to examine levels of various chemicals, hormones, and vitamins in blood and other fluids, along with physical examinations to assess blood pressure and other vital signs, could help identify or rule out potential causes of the symptoms.

You can also use the following techniques to diagnose dementia:

Neurological and Cognitive Testing-

These tests for early dementia involve analyses of memory, problem-solving, language, and maths skills, as well as balance or reflexes. They are used to analyse thinking or functional capacity.

Psychiatric Evaluation-

A psychiatric evaluation may be advised if a person has behavioural or emotional changes to help evaluate whether depression or another mental health disorder is the root of or a contributory factor in the individual’s symptoms.

Genetic Tests-

Genetic Tests Genes play a role in some types of dementia. In these uncommon situations, a genetic test prescribed by a doctor from a dementia care centre in Mumbai. Which can assist individuals in determining whether they possess the changed genes. 

It is crucial to consult a genetic counsellor before and after getting tested, in addition to your family and your doctor.

Conclusion

After an early diagnosis, individuals with dementia can live pleasant lives for many more years. Early dementia diagnosis helps the patient and family understand the condition, set reasonable expectations, or develop common plans for the future. 

If you want to know more about early dementia diagnosis then you must contact Jagruti Dementia Centre for more details.