Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Personality (mental) characteristics screening for Alzheimer's
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Old 07-11-2014, 11:26 AM
Bizdoc Bizdoc is offline
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Keep in mind that there are a significant number of dementias besides Alzheimers.

One of the signs of most dementias is a reduction in or loss of "self censuring." The odd things we usually stop ourself from doing aren't filtered out by our "manners". Thus, people say things they would normally think, make odd noises, chew at odd times, etc.

And folks with dementia lose their ability to self analyze fairly early. Asking someone with dementia about anything that has changed will likely get denials that they do any of it or that things are different.

If you observe major changes in behavior and/or judgement, you need to bring it to the person's doctor's attention. If it is a friend, bring it to the attention of their spouse or family. There are lots of reasons (including things like strokes and tumors) which can cause similar problems - only their doctor can sort them out.

And for those who constantly complain (and I am one of them!) about behavior in TV (especially drivers, but also in stores, etc) - that sort of aggressive or irrational behavior can be caused by dementia.

And no, you doctor can't see it in a 3 minute exam.