Dementia

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?

Dementia often begins with memory loss and forgetfulness, followed by:

• distraction and confusion
• trouble planning or setting goals
• difficulty with conversations
• personality changes and depression
• problems eating, swallowing, or walking in later stages

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia results from conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• small strokes
• Lewy body dementia
• frontotemporal degeneration
• Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease

Some medications or infections can cause temporary dementia-like symptoms (pseudodementia) that may improve with treatment.

When Should You See a Professional?

If you notice memory or thinking problems, consult a doctor for tests. Hearing problems can also mimic dementia symptoms, so seeing an audiologist for a hearing test is recommended. An SLP can assess communication, thinking, and swallowing skills.

How Is Dementia Treated?

Dementia can’t be cured, but treatment can help people maintain their quality of life and stay as independent as possible. SLPs assist with:

• memory strategies
• written reminders or pictures for daily tasks
• communication tips for family and caregivers
• developing daily routines
• teaching you safe ways to eat and swallow

How Can You Communicate Better With Someone Who Has Dementia?

If you are talking with someone with dementia, here are ways to help them:

• Repeat key information and speak slowly.
• Offer clear, simple choices.
• Use short, direct sentences.
• Support conversations with written words or pictures.
• Remove distractions, such noise from a television or radio.

To find an SLP or audiologist near you, visit Profind.

Resources

Helpful resources include

• Alzheimer's Association
• Dementia Research Center