Don't Panic! ~ It May not be Dementia

When I began to discover about Dementia I started to become aware of the symptoms within myself, and to say that mild panic set in is an understatement!  However many of the symptoms are the same as or similar to those we can all relate to at some time or another and are often just a part of getting on in years.  So if you lose your car keys now and again ~ Don't Panic!

Obviously if you notice some of the symptoms occurring on a regular basis (in yourself or others) I recommend you talk to your G.P. as soon as possible, as the sooner you start receiving treatment the better and you can start preparing the way for your care.  But as I say, don't worry yourself unnecessarily, here are a few of the causes that can give similar symptoms to dementia:-

Constipation:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, aggression and frustration as well as faecal incontinence.

Urine Infection:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, aggression and frustration as well as urinary incontinence.

Chest Infection:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, aggression, frustration, urinary and faecal incontinence, loss of mobility and comprehension of how to carry out tasks.

Operations / Anaesthetics:  This can cause confusion, disorientation and comprehension of how to carry out tasks.

Ulcers:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, loss of mobility and comprehension of how to carry out tasks.

Hypothermia:  This can cause confusion, disorientation and short term memory loss.

Malnutrition:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss and comprehension of how to carry out tasks.

Change of Medication:  This can cause confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, aggression, frustration, urinary and faecal incontinence, loss of mobility and comprehension of how to carry out tasks.

Alcohol & Drugs:  These can cause confusion, disorientation, slurred communication and short term memory loss.

Depression:  This can lead to withdrawal, isolation, aggression, low mood, not bothered to carry out everyday tasks, lack of general interest and unable to see positives.

"Dementia is not a normal part of aging ~ nor is it inevitable in old age!"

This is not a comprehensive list but I think it helps to recognise that not all dementia symptoms are in fact the onset of dementia.  However I highly recommend that anyone suffering these symptoms discuss them with their family, friends and in their best interest see their General Practitioner, for peace of mind if nothing else.

See also "What Is Dementia" page.