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
Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated
On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.
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.
Recent Stories
TTUHSC Teams Selected for 2025 Innosphere Life Sciences Accelerator Cohort
A pair of teams representing TTUHSC earned a spot among the 33 startup groups selected for the 2025 cohort of the Innosphere Life Sciences Accelerator.
Exploring New Frontiers in Patient Care
Jenna Kesey, Ph.D., associate managing director for the Clinical Research Institute (CRI) at TTUHSC, said it's important that the university provides opportunities for its patients to have access to innovative therapies through the clinical trial process.
Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated
On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.