Senile Dementia Symptoms

Senile dementia is not the same as senility in aged people. The process of aging results in gradual deterioration of the brain cells, thereby conducing to progressive memory loss, lesser control on balance, fatigue, etc. However, when brain cells start degenerating they lead to a disease called senile dementia. Over 10% people above the age of 65 show symptoms of some form of dementia and about 15% in 1000 people in the United States are inflicted by dementia. There are different types of dementia plaguing people, however, irrespective of the type, this disease is a condition in which tissues of the brain are damaged and normal functioning is sabotaged.

Causes of Senile Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common senile dementia causative factor. Some other causes of senile dementia are hardening of the arteries (Atherosclerosis), multiple sclerosis, bacterial or viral encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease (disorientation disease), chronic steroid abuse, chronic alcohol abuse, side effects to specific medications, etc. Deficiencies of thiamine, niacin, vitamin B12, etc. can also result in senile dementia. However, dementia caused by these factors can be reversed by restoring the vitamin level to normal. If chronic exposure to metals like mercury or lead have caused dementia, then by removal of these toxic agents, the condition can be reversed.

Symptoms of Senile Dementia

Precise identification of the problem is crucial for its treatment and cure. Thus, being aware of symptoms related to this disease is essential for one to resort to early treatment. The symptoms in the early stages are different from the symptoms of extreme cases of dementia. Let us have a look at them separately.

Early Symptoms of Senile Dementia

• Memory Loss
• Insomnia
• Poor balance and disorientation
• Poor physical coordination
• Apathy
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Slight confusion
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of initiative

Senile Dementia Symptoms in the Middle Stage

• Poor ability to learn
• Poorer judgment and cognitive abilities
• Emotionally unstable
• Increased confusion
• Disrupting family member's sleep times
• Need assistance to perform daily chores
• Aggressiveness

Severe Senile Dementia Stages

• Gradual loss of weight
• Loss of cognitive ability
• Inability to walk
• Personal hygiene neglection
• Involuntary urination or defecation
• Inability to recognize family members
• Wandering away without informing
• Unable to bathe, eat, dress and take care of one's self
• Reacting violently
• Hallucinating (auditory and visual)
• Personality changes - may become suspicious or fearful
• Communication problems

If you feel somebody you know has senile dementia and want to confirm your fears, then start by first checking the person's family history. Check if the family is genetically inclined to be inflicted by this disease. Then check to see if the person has communication problems along with problems, like remembering people or events. Check his abilities to read, write and do math. Is the person getting fidgety quickly and loses interest in the ongoing conversation? As mentioned in the above list of symptoms, check for their presence.

If you feel your aging grandparent, parent or an elderly family member shows some of the above mentioned symptoms, it is wise to seek medical attention as early as possible, as even though senile dementia is progressive and incurable, its pace can be slowed down by administering various medications. Dementia patients need a lot of love and care. They need to be embraced and patiently dealt with. Sometimes things may get frustrating, however, don't get discouraged! If your job or other personal commitments demand all your time, then there are various professional in-home assistance services available for your help. By partnering with them you can help your loved one live independently at home itself!