As of: April 2, 2024, 5:19 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
Comments
Press
Split
Dementia progresses at different rates for each person affected. The symptoms are similar for most people, including early signs.
The risk of developing dementia generally increases with age, as age plays a significant role in the development of this disease. In addition to the factor of age and genetic predisposition, living conditions and various risk factors can also significantly influence the occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer's. There are various signs that both those affected and their relatives should pay attention to, which may indicate the presence of dementia. This also includes symptoms that are not initially necessarily associated with dementia, such as behavioral changes and aggressive reactions.
In Germany, over 1.8 million people are now affected by the previously incurable Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of dementia - which involves the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain. If you or a loved one experience sudden memory problems, frequent repetition of questions, and difficulty retaining information, it is advisable to monitor these signs closely and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Recognizing dementia: General symptoms appear in many forms of the disease
Dementia is considered a treacherous brain disease because its course is difficult to predict. Typical are the increasing memory gaps and difficulty finding words, which are particularly noticeable when talking to familiar people. (Symbolic image) © xtiberiox/Imago
How quickly or severely dementia progresses in a person affected varies from person to person - which is what often makes the disease so difficult and dramatic for the patients themselves, as well as their relatives and friends. Depending on what type of dementia it is - Alzheimer's disease, 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 usual tasks at work or in the private environment - particularly noticeable in activities that would otherwise not cause any problems.
Challenges in planning and solving problems; those affected appear distracted.
Increasingly difficult to remember or reconstruct recent actions.
Problems writing or speaking.
Those affected can no longer think of the right words; this is particularly evident in the middle of the conversation.
Items are misplaced and/or people forget where they were put.
Place and time are becoming increasingly difficult to classify correctly, for example the day of the week is confused.
Making decisions is becoming increasingly difficult or is being made without thinking.
People with dementia increasingly withdraw from social contacts (relatives and friends) and activities.
Those affected change their behavior and become aggressive.
Source: Alzheimer Research Initiative e. v.
Dementia and possible first signs of illness
Early symptoms of dementia also appear similarly in many sufferers - however, such signs do not necessarily mean dementia. If dementia is actually present, some of the early symptoms persist into an advanced stage.
My news
32 mins ago
Mourning for the finalist of the first RTL Supertalent season: he gave Bohlen goosebumps
Russia's losses are rapidly approaching three grim milestones - reports Ukraineread
Contribution service sends letters to thousands of households - if you don't respond, you risk being fined
“That touched a nerve”: Breakfast café has to close shortly after opening – due to too many guests reading
Defeat in the Turkish elections: Erdogan's partner announces consequences
Missing Émile from France is dead: read the disturbing details of his grandfather leaked
Don't miss anything: You can find everything about health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
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 can include:
Memory gaps that are particularly evident in short-term memory.
The first sign that people with emerging dementia notice in conversations is that they can no longer find the “appropriate” word.
Abstract and logical thinking is more difficult, which is evident, for example, when dealing with numbers and arithmetic.
Many tasks in daily life are no longer possible, such as orienting yourself and remembering where you put something. But conversations with others also show that those affected often repeat or ask questions about topics that have already been mentioned.
Objects are misplaced, the sense of place and time is disturbed.
Those affected sometimes show abrupt emotional swings, 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 in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.