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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Difficulty with complex tasks
  • Difficulty with planning and organizing
  • Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
  • Problems with disorientation, such as getting lost
  • Personality changes
  • Inability to reason
  • Inappropriate behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations

When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you or a loved one experiences memory problems or other dementia symptoms. Some treatable medical conditions can cause dementia symptoms, so it's important that a doctor determine the underlying cause.

Alzheimer's disease and several other types of dementia worsen over time. Early diagnosis gives you time to plan for the future while you can participate in making decisions.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Dementia: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm?css=. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  2. What is dementia? Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  3. Shadlen MF, et al. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  4. Hake AM, et al. Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  5. Hake AM, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  6. Types of dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  7. Vascular dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/vascular-dementia-symptoms.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  8. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/fronto-temporal-dementia-ftd-symptoms.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  9. Rodnicksky RL. Parkinson disease dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  10. Press D, et al. Prevention of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 20, 2012.
  11. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2013.
  12. Shadlen MF, et al. Risk factors for dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  13. Press D, et al. Treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  14. Press D, et al. Cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  15. Press D, et al. Safety and societal issues related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  16. Press D, et al. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  17. Eating. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  18. The changing brain in AD. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/part-2-what-happens-brain-ad/changing-brain-ad. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  19. Personal care: Assisting a person with dementia with changing daily needs. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  20. Communication and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  21. Creating a daily plan. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-creating-a-plan.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  22. Early-stage caregiving. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-early-mild-stage-caregiving.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  23. Sleep issues and sundowning. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  24. Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  25. Wollen KA. Alzheimer's disease: The pros and cons of pharmaceutical, nutritional, botanical, and stimulatory therapies, with a discussion of treatment strategies from the perspective of patients and practitioners. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:223.
  26. Buettner LL, et al. Animal-assisted therapy for clients with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2011;37:10.
  27. Being a healthy caregiver. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  28. Taking care of yourself. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_taking_care_of_yourself.asp. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  29. Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  30. Graff-Radford NR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 4, 2013.
  31. Graff-Radford NR. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 4, 2013.
DS01131 April 16, 2013

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