Dementia – Early Stage

Definition
A collection of symptoms rather than a diagnosis characterized by progressive decline in cognitive function involving memory loss and at least one other type of cognitive deficit that leads to a significant inability to perform intellectual and social activities. Dementia makes it hard for a person to remember, learn and communicate. After a while, this makes it hard for the person to take care of himself or herself. Dementia may also change a person's mood and personality. At first, memory loss and trouble thinking occurs. Later, disruptive behavior and other problems may start.

Symptoms of Dementia
Increasing gradual memory loss
Changes in mood and personality (eg., anxiety/paranoia)
Problems with language
Disorientation of time and place
Impaired judgment
Unclear thinking/increasing difficulty in abstract thinking
Loss of interest/ Difficulty performing usual daily activities

The resident with dementia will have significantly impaired intellectual functioning that interferes with normal activities and relationships.

Cause

Caregiver Tips
Provide reorientation
Provide care in gentle consistent manner
Reduce unnecessary activity and noise
Protect from wandering

Plan strategies to manage agitation/ anger/ aggress
Reducing unnecessary activity and noise (such as limiting the number of visitors and turning off the television when it's not in use) may make it easier for the person to understand requests and perform simple tasks. Confusion also may be reduced by simplifying decorations, removing clutter, keeping familiar objects nearby, and following a predictable routine throughout the day. Calendars and clocks also may help.

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