Last updated: 15.01.2024, 04:52 a.m.
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Dementia progresses at a different rate in each affected person. The symptoms are similar in most people, even through early signs.
The risk of developing dementia generally increases with age, as age plays a significant role in the development of this condition. In addition to age and genetic predisposition, life circumstances and various risk factors can also have a significant influence on the occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. There are various signs that both those affected and their relatives should pay attention to, which may indicate the presence of dementia. This includes symptoms that are not initially associated with dementia, such as behavioral changes and aggressive reactions.
In Germany, more than 1.8 million people are now affected by Alzheimer's disease – the most common form of dementia – which involves a progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain. Should you or a loved one experience sudden memory problems, frequent repetition of questions, and difficulty remembering information, it is advisable to keep a close eye on these signs and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Recognising dementia: General symptoms can be seen in many forms of the disease
Dementia is considered an insidious disease of the brain because it is difficult to predict the course of the disease. Typical are the increasing memory gaps and word-finding disorders, which are particularly noticeable when talking to familiar people. (Symbolic image) © xtiberiox/Imago
How quickly or severally dementia progresses in an affected person varies from person to person – which is why the disease is often so severe and dramatic for the patients themselves, as well as relatives and friends. Depending on the type of dementia – Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's dementia or Lewy body dementia – and how quickly the disease progresses, certain general signs and symptoms are often similar:
- Memory gaps, i.e. names and dates, are no longer remembered.
- Difficulties with previously familiar tasks at work or in the private environment – especially noticeable in activities that otherwise did not cause any problems.
- Challenges in planning and solving problems, those affected seem absent-minded.
- Increasing difficulties in remembering or reconstructing what has recently been done.
- Problems writing or speaking.
- Those affected can no longer think of the right words, this is particularly evident in the middle of the flow of the conversation.
- Items are misplaced and/or forgotten where they were placed.
- It is becoming increasingly difficult to classify the place and time correctly, for example, the day of the week is confused.
- Decisions are becoming increasingly difficult or are made without thinking.
- People with dementia are increasingly withdrawing from social contacts (relatives and friends) and activities.
- Those affected change in behavior and become aggressive.
Source: Alzheimer Research Initiative e. V.
Dementia and possible first signs of illness
Early symptoms of dementia are also similar in many patients – but such signs do not necessarily mean dementia. If dementia is indeed present, some of the early symptoms persist into an advanced stage.
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In any case, it makes sense to talk to your family doctor and, if necessary, a specialist (neurologist) in order to be able to classify the symptoms and a possible clinical picture.
Early symptoms of dementia may include:
- Memory gaps, which are particularly evident in short-term memory.
- People with incipient dementia are increasingly unable to find the "right" word as the first sign in conversations.
- Abstract and logical thinking is more difficult, which can be seen, for example, in dealing with numbers and arithmetic.
- Many tasks of daily life no longer succeed, such as orienting oneself and remembering where one has put something. But conversations with others also show that those affected frequently repeat or ask about topics that have already been mentioned.
- Objects are misplaced, the sense of place and time is disturbed.
- Those affected sometimes show abrupt emotional fluctuations, from happy to suddenly sad and vice versa.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editorial team.