Health care - Learning about dementia - Symptoms and the progression of dementia

Although there is currently no cure for dementia or any way to reverse the effects of the damage in the brain, the medication and treatments that are available may help slow the progression of dementia and moderate the effects of some of the symptoms.

Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009, March). The progression of Alzheimer's disease: Overview. Retrieved October 14, 2011.

Frequently asked questions

WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA? CLICK FOR ANSWER

Early signs of dementia include:

  • Memory loss (especially short-term memory, inability to complete what you start)
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty performing familiar tasks (following recipes, using a bank machine)
  • Language problems (such as a loss of words or names of things)
  • Disorientation to time and place (forgetting where you are going, getting turned around, missing meals or appointments)
  • Poor judgment (impulsive)
  • Loss of abstract thinking (math, being overwhelmed by too much information)
  • Misplacing things or not being able to recognize them (keys, books, glasses)
  • Personality, mood and behaviour changes (anxiety, anger, frustration, depression)
  • Loss of interest and lack of motivation – withdrawal (put off shopping, feelings of exhaustion)
  • Vision changes

WHAT DOES MEMORY LOSS MEAN EXACTLY? CLICK FOR ANSWER

Everyone's experience with dementia is different. Memory loss could be any number of issues, such as:

  • Remembering events from long ago, but having limited short-term memory.
  • Keeping track of time, people and places.
  • Forgetting appointments and people's names.
  • Forgetting where you placed things or how to do things you could do in the past.

IF I HAVE MEMORY LOSS, DOES THAT MEAN I HAVE DEMENTIA? CLICK FOR ANSWER

No. Many people have trouble with their memory as they get older, but do not have dementia. When memory loss affects day-to-day function and is paired with a lack of judgment and reasoning, or communication changes, you should consider speaking with your doctor.

IS EVERYONE WITH DEMENTIA AFFECTED THE SAME WAY? CLICK FOR ANSWER

No, it will depend on what area of the brain is affected. Everyone's experience is different. No two people with dementia present the same symptoms. For some people with dementia, doctors may not be able to provide a precise diagnosis.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA, WHAT CAN I EXPECT? CLICK FOR ANSWER

Several changes will occur for you throughout the rest of your life. No two people have the same experience. Everyone will confront his or her own unique challenges. It will be important for you to adjust and continue living with dementia.

Sometimes 'stages' are used by physicians to categorize individuals and provide appropriate medication; however everyone is unique and symptoms vary.

Memory loss usually becomes more noticeable for your friends and family. Activities such as banking and conversations with more than one person can become more difficult. Early on in your diagnosis, many of your abilities remain the same, and you will require little assistance.

Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009). Alzheimer's disease: What to expect. 

WHAT CHANGES MIGHT I EXPERIENCE AS MY DEMENTIA SYMPTOMS PROGRESS? CLICK FOR ANSWER

Your ability to perform daily activities will decline. Memory problems will increase. As a person's dementia progress, they start to experience the world around them differently. For this reason, it may become more difficult to control your reactions and responses. This may lead to changes in how you react physically and emotionally to your environment (i.e., mood changes, restless, anger, sleep disturbances, hallucinations etc.). It is often better to view these changes as 'personal expressions'. We have created a resource to explain what we mean by personal expressions.

There are many challenges you will face and it is important to receive help from your family or partners in care.

Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009). Alzheimer's disease: What to expect. 

WHAT CHANGES MIGHT I EXPERIENCE LATER IN THE PROGRESSION OF DEMENTIA? CLICK FOR ANSWER

As your dementia progresses, you will likely need more and more support from family members, friends, community resources, and healthcare services (such as home care or long-term care) to continue to live well. Although this time can be scary for some, when well supported, people living with dementia can still experience and express joy, love, meaning, and happiness as their symptoms progress. 

Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009). Alzheimer's disease: What to expect.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO LIVE? CLICK FOR ANSWER

There is no hard and fast answer. Although your condition will progress, changes for most people are gradual. In some cases, dementia progresses slowly over a course of many years. Although it might be difficult, keep things in perspective and try to enjoy every day you have. Focusing too much on quantity of life will distract you from what is most important – your quality of life.

Source: The information above comes from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2009). Alzheimer's disease: What to expect.

Back to top