Do You Have Early Signs of Dementia?

Dementia begins long before symptoms are obvious. But an early diagnosis can make a significant difference in slowing the disease’s progression and managing symptoms long term. That’s why family medicine physician Joel Massey, MD, of Hill Country Wellness Journey in New Braunfels, Texas, urges anyone experiencing possible signs of dementia to get tested as soon as possible. 

Here’s what he wants you to know about this cognitive condition that affects 6.7 million Americans.

Dementia 101

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a progressive decline in mental ability that impairs daily life. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Most cases of dementia are caused by Alzheimer's disease, which occurs when abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain, damaging and destroying vital brain neurons. 

Just what triggers this buildup is not yet fully understood. Experts agree it’s most likely a combination of age, genetics, and lifestyle issues. Such lifestyle issues include unmanaged chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. 

While there is no proven way to prevent dementia entirely and there is no cure, research suggests you can reduce your risk with lifestyle changes, and that treatment can temporarily manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Why early detection is vital

An early diagnosis before symptoms impair cognitive and physical function offers many benefits. These include the opportunity to:

• Take prescription drugs that temporarily ease some symptoms, most of which work best in the early or middle stages of dementia.
• Take prescription drugs that can slow the progression of dementia.
• Make arrangements for your legal affairs, financial future, and long‐term care needs.
• Participate in clinical trials and be eligible for new treatments.

What’s more, conditions with similar symptoms to dementia can be identified and treated. Common among these are vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and medication side effects. 

Early symptoms you should check

The early stages of cognitive decline often show up as subtle shifts in behavior and abilities. The following patterns require a medical evaluation:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recent conversations, important dates, or events.
• Difficulty planning or solving problems, like struggling to follow a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
• Confusion with time or place, which includes losing track of dates, seasons, or how you arrived at a specific location.
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, making driving or balancing more difficult.
• New problems with words in speaking or writing, such as stopping in the middle of a conversation or struggling to find the right term.

These symptoms often progress gradually, so family members might notice changes before the individual does. Keeping track of these shifts helps us build a clearer picture of your health.

What to expect during a cognitive assessment

The assessment process typically includes:

• A review of your medical history, including lifestyle factors, current medications, and family history.
• A physical exam
• Cognitive and neurological tests that measure memory, problem-solving abilities, math skills, and language usage.
• Lab tests, such as blood work, are used to rule out physical illnesses that cause memory issues.
• Discussion of behavioral changes or mood shifts that family members have observed.
• Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). 

If you’re concerned about yourself or a family member, book a dementia testing consultation with Dr. Massey at Hill Country Wellness Journey in New Braunfels, Texas.

Call the office or request an appointment online.