Diagnosing Dementia

Worldwide, there are an estimated 24 million people living with some form of 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

Brain Health 101: Aging Smart

El Paso Doctors Improving Outcomes of Brain Injuries

Beyond Aphasia: Understanding an Unknown Disorder

Related Stories

Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience

Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.

Moseley Named Permian Basin Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Kelly Moseley, DHSc, R.N., has been named the TTUHSC School of Nursing regional dean in the Permian Basin.

TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location

Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.

Recent Stories

Campus Life

Amy Purdy Delivers Keynote Address at TTUHSC Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health Power of the Purse Luncheon

American snowboarder, motivational speaker and author Amy Purdy delivered the keynote address at the Power of the Purse luncheon and fundraiser on April 10.

Research

New Permian Basin Chair Seeks to Develop International Hub for Rural Psychiatry

Rajendra Badgaiyan, M.D., joined the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine in November as a professor and Department of Psychiatry chair at the Permian Basin campus.

Education

The ARRIVE Program: Offering a Brighter Future for the IDD Community

The ARRIVE Program provides a supported work context within the TTUHSC Occupational Therapy Department (OTD) for young adults with IDD to gain necessary skills.