Dementia: The Benefits of Seeking an Early Diagnosis

 

Early dementia symptoms are very similar to what most people consider to be a normal part of "Aging." Memory loss, confusion, disorientation, inability to perform normal activities, withdrawal, agitation, and frustration are among the symptoms. Many patients who experience such problems do not seek medical attention, believing, "This must be normal for someone my age. If I go to the doctor with these problems, I'll look ridiculous."

When people who are aware of dementia experience such symptoms, they suspect (or fear) that they have dementia. However, they are hesitant to see a doctor due to the stigma associated with dementia. In some cultures, the term "dementia" is associated with strange behavior, helplessness, and negativity and people do not want to be labeled as dementia patients. In other cultures where dementia awareness is low, a dementia diagnosis is stigmatized because people associate dementia with insanity.

However, there are several advantages to seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms appear for investigations and diagnosis. These benefits are detailed below. Consult a Neurologist for dementia treatment in Indore.

All memory loss is not dementia.

Memory loss can take many forms. Also, everyone forgets things now and then. Some memory issues are normal with aging, while others may indicate a serious underlying medical condition. Elders are frequently concerned about their forgetfulness and this anxiety and stress cause them to become more inattentive and forgetful.

People experiencing memory loss can get a proper assessment of their problem, its possible causes, and treatment by speaking with a doctor. Doctors can determine whether the patient's memory problem indicates cognitive decline and whether this decline is mild (referred to as mild cognitive impairment) or has progressed to the point where dementia is diagnosed. Some causes of memory loss can also be treated.

Depression is sometimes confused with dementia.

Depression can impair one's ability to focus and cause memory problems. Ordinary people are unable to tell whether their memory loss and confusion are the result of dementia or depression. Treatment for depression is effective, and symptoms can be reversed. Obtaining a timely diagnosis is thus beneficial.

Additionally, curable conditions like hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency might contribute to dementia symptoms.

Many people believe that dementia symptoms are solely caused by incurable medical conditions (such as Alzheimer's). In reality, there are more than seventy different causes of dementia symptoms. Some of them, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism, can be treated, and such treatment can reverse dementia symptoms.

A correct diagnosis identifies reversible causes that can then be corrected. If a patient does not seek medical attention, he or she continues to suffer unnecessarily. If you face Dementia, then you must visit your doctor. It is recommended to visitthe best neurologist in Indore.