By Phoenix Warrior

The Forgotten Faces: Why We Must Never Ignore Dementia

It started with misplaced keys. Then came forgotten birthdays, confused faces at family gatherings, and eventually, the heart-wrenching moment when Maria could no longer recognize her daughter. For years, her family brushed off the signs as mere “senior moments” until one day, Maria wandered off and couldn’t find her way home. The diagnosis—Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia—came too late to prepare her and her family for the road ahead.

Maria’s story is not unique. Across the world, millions of families grapple with the challenges of dementia, a condition that is often ignored or misunderstood. By recognizing the warning signs early, we can provide better care, support, and understanding to those affected.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

While dementia primarily affects memory, it also impacts thinking, problem-solving, language, and behavior. Some early warning signs to watch out for include:

1. Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
2. Difficulty Planning or Problem-Solving: Struggling with tasks that require concentration, such as following a recipe or keeping track of bills.
3. Confusion with Time or Place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or where they are.
4. Understanding Visual Images or Spatial Relationships: Difficulty reading, judging distances, or recognizing faces.
5. Problems with Speaking or Writing: Pausing mid-conversation or repeating themselves.
6. Misplacing Things: Placing items in unusual spots and being unable to retrace their steps.
7. Poor Judgment: Making questionable decisions about money or neglecting personal hygiene.
8. Withdrawal from Social Activities: Avoiding hobbies, social events, or work.
9. Mood and Personality Changes: Experiencing increased confusion, fear, depression, or anxiety.

Can Dementia Be Prevented or Delayed?

While age and genetics play a significant role, lifestyle changes can help delay the onset or slow the progression of dementia. Experts recommend staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in mental stimulation, managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, and fostering social connections.

Why We Must Not Ignore Dementia

Ignoring dementia can lead to delayed diagnosis, limiting treatment options, and increasing caregiver stress. Early intervention can improve the  quality of life for patients and families by offering:

• Access to Treatments: Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors may alleviate symptoms.
• Planning and Support: Patients can make informed decisions about their care and finances while still capable.
• Community Resources: Support groups and therapy can help families navigate the journey.

Seeking Help: The Next Steps

If you notice signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one, consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Tests may include cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and blood tests to rule out other causes.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Dementia is not a normal part of aging; it is a serious condition that deserves attention and compassion. As Maria’s family learned, recognizing the signs early can make all the difference in how a person experiences the later years of life. Let us pledge to educate ourselves, break the stigma surrounding dementia, and support those who are silently fading from our memories.

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References:

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Retrieved from www.alz.org.
2. World Health Organization. (2021). Dementia. Retrieved from www.who.int.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Dementia. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org.