Information provided is not to be used as a diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice from your physician. Our Ask the Experts column is offered as an information resource only.
What are the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's? |
| Listed below are symptoms that may be the beginning onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. Always check with your doctor if you have any concerns. |
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Recent Memory Loss |
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Time and place confusion |
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Mood changes |
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Inability to perform regular tasks |
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Misplacing items in the home |
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Forgetting words or thoughts
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| What is a TIA and what are the symptoms? |
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TIA stands for Transient Ischemic Attack and is also known as a Mini Stroke. The symptoms are the same as for a stroke. TIA's last for only a few minutes, they are usually milder than a stroke and sometimes have no apparent residual effects. |
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TIA's are extremely important stroke warning signs and should not be ignored. Do not ignore the warning signs - contact your doctor.
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| What do I look for if I think my mother is having a stroke? |
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If you suspect your mother is having or had a stroke - check the time. Knowing this will be very helpful to the health provider later. Get her to a hospital ASAP - time is important for proper treatment. |
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Don't take "No" for an answer. Even if the symptoms have subsided, have her checked. Not all stroke symptoms will appear at the same time - the symptoms can vary with each stroke attack. |
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Look for: |
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Difficulty speaking or understanding others |
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Sudden or severe headache with no known cause |
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Numbness in arm, face or leg, especially on one side of the body |
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Sudden confusion or loss of consciousness |
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Vision blurriness, or loss in one or both eyes |
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Trouble with balance and coordination |
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Nausea or vomiting with any of the above symptoms
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| Why is drinking fluids so important? |
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Dehydration signs and symptoms can be very similar to the signs and symptoms of senile and age dementia and Alzheimer's. |
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Since seniors have a reduced sense of thirst, dehydration can become a serious condition. Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes for hospitalization in seniors. |
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Look for: |
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A poor intake of fluids, claiming not to be thirsty |
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Sunken eyes and deceased tears |
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Low urine output |
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When skin is pinched up to a fold - there is a lack of elasticity, slowly sagging back into position
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