Dementia Test
My family member has trouble remembering the names of everyday items.
Simple daily challenges that used to be easy now seem to overwhelm my relative.
Even on routes they've taken many times, like to the local market, my loved one loses their way.
My relative says the same thing over again shortly after saying it, apparently unaware they're repeating themselves.
My family member doesn't remember that certain activities, such as a scheduled medical visit, have already happened.
During conversations, my loved one stops talking mid-sentence and looks uncertain about what to say next.
My relative seems mixed up about the current date, including which day, month, or year it is.
I've noticed changes in my loved one's usual behavior, like acting more irritable or keeping to themselves.
My family member makes errors that aren't typical for them, such as leaving the stove on after preparing a meal.
In everyday discussions, my relative often looks puzzled or disoriented.
My loved one finds it hard to concentrate on activities they previously handled with ease.
My family member misses planned meetings or events without remembering they were scheduled.
When their regular schedule gets disrupted, my relative reacts with more frustration than usual.
If asked to choose something or make a plan, my loved one appears bewildered or nervous.
My relative shares the same anecdote multiple times, not realizing they've told it before.
My family member has difficulty remembering specifics from the recent past, like what they ate yesterday evening.
Even in places they know well, my loved one sometimes acts uncertain about their location.
My relative makes decisions that seem risky or unwise, such as venturing out in severe weather or crossing a road without looking, which isn't like their past behavior.
My family member doesn't finish regular responsibilities, such as handling monthly expenses, when they normally would.
My loved one can't recall the names of close relatives or other people they've known for a long time.
20 questions remaining
Things to Know
- It can be normal, though annoying, for people to have mild cognitive decline as they get older. It shouldn't make it hard for them to do everyday tasks. On the other hand, dementia is not always going to happen and should always be a cause for concern.
- Dementia is not a recognized diagnosis. It is actually a group of cognitive symptoms, like memory loss that doesn't go away or poor judgment that makes it hard to do everyday things. These symptoms can be caused by a number of things.
- Dementia is most often caused by Alzheimer's disease. About 5% of people between the ages of 65 and 75 get Alzheimer's disease. About 35% of people over 85 get it.
- Huntington's disease, Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and HIV infection are some other things that can cause dementia. It mostly affects older people, but younger adults and, in very rare cases, children can also be diagnosed.
- If the cause of dementia is found and treated early, it may be possible to stop its progress in some cases. Sadly, there is no known cure for many common causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer's. However, treatment may help ease symptoms.
- Taking care of a loved one with dementia can be very hard, and it often gets harder as the disease gets worse. Caregivers can be kind to themselves and know that it's okay to ask for help.
What to Do
Don't put off an evaluation. The sooner dementia is found, the better. As soon as you can, talk to a doctor about your worries.
Talk to them calmly: Keeping your voice calm and reassuring, even when you're angry, can help keep your loved one from getting upset or anxious.
Get help. Taking care of someone is an act of love, but it's a lot to handle on your own. It's fine to ask the people around you for help.
