Diagnosing Dementia
Worldwide, there are an estimated 24 million people living with some form of dementia.
Head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team and all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history revealed last week that she has dementia.
Pat Summitt’s diagnosis brings to light questions of what dementia is and how to know when forgetfulness is something to be concerned about.
Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning, such as concentration, memory and judgment, which affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.
The Garrison Institute on Aging provides the Earlier than the Early Signs of Dementia: Putting the Puzzle Together, a resource for those concerned about the signs and symptoms of dementia. Those signs include:
- Short-term memory loss. For example, if you have a stack of canned beans in the pantry but keep buying more.
- Difficulty performing a familiar task. For example, if someone is always neat and meticulous about laundry and ironing and now no longer seems care if things are left undone.
- Time and place disorientation. Not recognizing familiar surroundings.
- Reality and fantasy become blurred.
- Difficulty with abstract thinking. If you never let your finances get out of control and now suddenly find it difficult to balance a checkbook.
- Sundowning and sleeplessness. Feeling agitated and restless.
If you are concerned about a loved one who is experiencing these symptoms, see a physician.
Related
Related Stories
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life
A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.
Drug Use, Family History Can Lead to Heart Disease in Younger Adults
Abstaining from drug abuse and an early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can help prevent heart disease.
Recent Stories
School of Pharmacy Remembers Contributions of Key Collaborator
Cynthia Nash, Pharm.D., served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice for the School, and was an instrumental collaborator and key ally in our partnership with the Dallas VA North Texas Health Care System.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Expert Elected 2024–2025 American Pharmacists Association House of Delegates Speaker-Elect
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) announced that Mary S. Klein, Pharm.D., was elected the 2024–2025 speaker-elect of the APhA House of Delegates.
Free Clinic Offered for Women’s Health Day
The Free Clinic, staffed by TTUHSC School of Medicine students, will host Women’s Health Day Clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 27.