Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Consider the family history. Is there a background of senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease? There is often a genetic predisposition toward this condition in members of the same family.
Step2
Look for signs of memory loss and language difficulties. Is the person losing words, or forgetting the names of common objects? Has he or she forgotten how to do simple mathematics?
Step3
Watch out for confusion and loss of attention span. Is the person unable to focus on a normal conversation? Does he or she get mixed up when trying to perform basic tasks?
Step4
Rule out undiagnosed hearing or vision loss. These may hinder a person's ability to communicate effectively, and can make someone seem more confused than he or she really is.
Step5
Monitor inappropriate behavior and impaired judgment. If the person begins to act inappropriately or significantly out of character in social situations, he or she may be showing signs of senile dementia.
Step6
Look out for mood changes, irritability or emotional agitation. Often, people in the early stages of senile dementia are aware that something is happening to them, and this can be both frightening and depressing.
Step7
Watch for physical coordination problems and physical confusion. People with senile dementia often forget how to do simple learned tasks that have been part of their daily life for many years.
Step8
Watch the person walk. Changes in gait are often symptomatic of senile dementia, although they can also be connected with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 One of the classic symptoms of dementia is the inability to form new memories, while having intact retrieval of distant memories. For instance, many Alzheimer's patients (senile dementia is synonymous with Alzheimer's) can tell you where they went to high school and when they graduated, but have no idea what the present month or year is. Another classic symptoms is problems with spatial orientation. These folks get lost very easily, and often confuse right and left.
If you suspect dementia, do not delay. Make sure a physician is alerted ASAP. The institution of early treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl, etc.) can help slow the progression of this incurable illness. There is also some anecdotal evidence that Vitamin E helps.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Not paying bills even though there is sufficient assets.
Not seeing a doctor for medical problems; trying to cure yourself with patent medicines.
Not calling for help when home repairs are needed or the house is in complete disarray.
Withdrawal from the outside world.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 My father sincerely thought the U.S. government wanted to take control of his house to operate a bed and breakfast. He reported seeing his house on television, and in newspapers and magazines. He was deeply frightened at the prospect of having to live on the street.
Consult a geriatric specialist in such a case. A combination of Risperdal and Aricept made my father's last months bearable.