What are some signs or symptoms of dementia?
The symptoms of dementia can be different depending on the diagnosis. In most cases, people with dementia have a gradual loss of memory and other cognitive functions. As the disease gets worse, an individual may experience the following: • Confusion • Difficulty on the job • Getting lost in familiar areas • Problems handling personal affairs (e.g.,finances, housekeeping, grooming) • Personality changes • Depression (as the person recognizes his or her deficits) • Significant memory loss • Difficulty following simple directions • Decreasing communication skills • Difficulty swallowing • By the final stages, inability to feed himself or herself, walk independently, or speak intelligibly.
