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Four Warning Signs Of Dementia

Five Early Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer As Man Battles Disease For A Second Time

Dementia: what are the early warning signs?

A pancreatic cancer survivor battling the disease for a second time has shared the early signs people of all ages should know.

Charles Czajkowski, 63, a business development manager for a geotechnical company from Surbiton, Kingston, has declared war on pancreatic cancer after a five-year ordeal with two rounds of the disease which also caused the death of his mother Romaulda, aged 78, in 1999.

Czajkowski, who is hoping treatment he received through his wifes private healthcare package will save his life, has urged the government to provide greater funding for the condition.

After his health began to decline in 2017, Czajkowski faced a series of delays to his diagnosis and treatment through the NHS until he accessed Bupa healthcare through the workplace of his wife of 16 years, Jackie.

After initial treatment success, in May 2022 Czajkowskis cancer returned and private oncologists are now attempting to use a series of drugs, some of which are unavailable on the NHS, to save his life.

Now working to fight the illness and help patients to spot it early, Czajkowski is on the scientific advisory board for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Its given me control, Czajkowski said. Pancreatic cancer has declared war on me so to get back at it, Ive declared war on pancreatic cancer by being able to help educate and save other peoples lives.

Its an awareness battle because pancreatic cancer UK hasnt had much air time and hasnt had the investment.

The Top 10 Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

The key to managing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is to catch it early. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease begin as long as 20 years before symptoms appear, so it pays to be on the lookout for any and all signs and symptoms.

Here are the top 10 warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Memory loss that has an impact on daily life.This may include forgetting recently learned information, keeping track of important dates, and repeatedly asking for the same information.
  • Having trouble planning or solving problems.The patient may have trouble working with numbers, following a recipe, or keeping track of monthly expenses.
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks.This could include basic tasks at home or at work such as driving to a familiar location, remembering the rules of a game, or performing tasks at work.
  • Increasing confusion with time or place.The patient might lose track of seasons, dates, and the passage of time in general they may have trouble understanding something if it isn’t happening immediately.
  • Trouble comprehending spatial relationships and visual imagery.This could take the form of difficulty reading, identifying colors, or judging distances.
  • Difficulty with words in writing or speaking.The patient might have trouble keeping track of a conversation, difficulty finding the right word, or call things by the wrong name.
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    Dementia is a cognitive condition that affects an estimated 900,000 people across the UK.

    The term dementia does not refer to a single specific ailment but rather a collection of symptoms occurring as a result of a disease like Alzheimers causing damage to the nerve cells that transmit messages from the brain.

    It is particularly common among the elderly, with one person in 14 people aged over 65 experiencing the condition and one in six aged over 80, with women statistically more likely to suffer than men.

    Everyone experiences the condition differently but common symptoms of dementia fall under three categories memory problems, cognitive ability and communication.

    Also Check: Mechanical Cats For Dementia Patients

    How Was Czajkowskis Cancer Treated

    In March 2019, Czajkowski met with the head of the surgical team at Hammersmith Hospital alongside his wife and a Macmillan nurse.

    The NHS doctor explained to Czajkowski that a whipple procedure to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct, would take place two months later.

    After researching the survival rate for pancreatic cancer, Czajkowski feared this wait time was a risk so decided to go private for the rest of his treatment through his wifes Bupa medical cover.

    His operation was carried out at the London Clinic Hospital using a Da Vinci surgical robot in April.

    I was basically told to say goodbye to my wife, because the operation comes with a lot of risk, Czajkowski said.

    So it was very hard when we both went into the pre-med room because I didnt know if I was going to wake up from this major operation.

    But luckily for me, just when I was saying goodbye, they had just injected me with the pre-med and next thing I was out.

    Charles later began six months of fortnightly chemotherapy sessions, which led to his weight dropping to just around 67kg before his diagnosis he was around 85kg.

    I looked skeletal, Czajkowski said. But I managed to stick it out. With a lot of hard work, you have to fight it, its a battle.

    Problems With Visual And Spatial Relationships

    Alzheimers Association Offers Advice &  Assistance On Identifying ...

    If your elderly loved one is failing to recognise themselves in the mirror, this could indicate that a cognitive condition such as Alzheimers has affected the part of the brain that controls spatial awareness.

    Other visual problems to be aware of are hallucinations when your loved one begins to see things that arent there, and difficulty in understanding the things theyre looking at, such as struggling to recognise items are around their home.

    Those with Alzheimers may also be unable to judge braking distances when driving too, making them a hazard on the roads. This is another indication that elderly care provisions need to be put into place for your loved ones safety.

    Read Also: What Part Of The Brain Is Alzheimer’s Disease Affected

    Problems With Speaking Or Writing

    A person with dementia may find it hard to engage in conversations. They might forget what they are saying or what somebody else has said, and it may be challenging to enter a conversation.

    People may also find that their spelling, punctuation, and grammar get worse. Sometimes, a persons handwriting becomes more difficult to understand.

    Encourage Them To See Their Doctor

    If youve noticed that someone close to you is showing symptoms of dementia, its important to encourage them to see their doctor to talk through whats been going on.

    Talking to someone about changes youve noticed in them can be difficult. It can help to have the conversation in a space where both of you are comfortable, are able to hear each other clearly and speak freely. Health Direct recommends starting the conversation by talking about what youve noticed and the other common reasons this might be happening. For example, you might say youve noticed the person has had trouble with their memory recently, and ask if theyve been stressed or not sleeping well. Then you can suggest that its time to see a doctor to find out whats happening.

    If you dont have a close relationship with the person, you might talk to someone who knows them well about what youve noticed, see if theyve noticed the same things and ask them to bring it up with the person.

    If a person remains resistant to following up about changes in their memory or behaviour, Dementia Australia recommends finding a different, physical reason to encourage the person to see the doctor, like an overall physical check-up, a blood pressure test or diabetes check. You can see more suggestions on what to do if the person you are concerned about does not want to see their doctor on the Dementia Australia website.

    Recommended Reading: What To Do If You Have Dementia

    Early Warning Signs Of Dementia To Look For

    Sometimes in the flurry and frustration of looking for lost keys, the thought of dementia and Alzheimers can creep into your head. While occasionally misplacing keys or not being able to recall the name of a book are not necessarily signs of a memory-degenerative disease, it is important to be on the look-out for possible symptoms.

    Experts think that people begin to develop dementia ten years before any symptoms actually show up, so here are some early warning signs to look for in both yourself and in any significant people in your life.

    Difficulties In Planning Or Solving Problems

    10 Warning Signs You Already Have Dementia

    Does your loved one seem to now struggle finishing a crossword puzzle when they used to do them everyday? Do they have trouble remembering to pay their bills, directions to the grocery store, or have problems concentrating on completing a task? These all are clues that you could be witnessing the onset of Alzheimers or another form of dementia.

    Also Check: Is Slurred Speech A Symptom Of Alzheimer

    When To Contact A Doctor

    A person who experiences any of these symptoms or notices them in a loved one should speak with a medical professional.

    According to the Alzheimers Association, it is a myth that cognitive functioning always worsens as a person gets older. While minor forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process, if symptoms start to affect a persons everyday life, they may be serious. Signs of cognitive decline may signal dementia or another illness for which doctors can provide support.

    Although there is no cure for dementia yet, a doctor can help slow the progression of the disease and ease the symptoms. This can improve a persons quality of life.

    A Failing Sense Of Direction

    A persons sense of direction and spatial orientation commonly starts to get worse with the onset of dementia. They may have difficulty recognizing once-familiar landmarks and forget how to get to familiar places they used to have no trouble finding.

    It may also become more difficult to follow a series of directions and step-by-step instructions.

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    Monday 17 September 2018

    Dementia is the term given to a group of diseases that affect a persons thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday tasks. While its commonly thought of as an older persons disease, dementia can affect people of all ages.

    Early symptoms of dementia can be vague and vary between people. While some people pick up on changes in their own thinking or behaviour that might be caused by dementia, sometimes these signs are first noticed by those around them.

    If youve noticed a change in someone close to you, the steps below can help you assist them in seeking diagnosis and treatment.

    Conditions With Symptoms Similar To Dementia

    Pin on Alzheimer

    Remember that many conditions have symptoms similar to dementia, so it is important not to assume that someone has dementia just because some of the above symptoms are present. Strokes, depression, excessive long-term alcohol consumption, infections, hormonal disorders, nutritional deficiencies and brain tumours can all cause dementia-like symptoms. Many of these conditions can be treated.

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    Dementia & Alzheimer’s Infographic

    Want to post this infographic on your own site or blog? Copy the code below and paste it into your site’s/blog’s “text” or “source” editor:

    < div style=”clear: both “> < a href=”https://keystone.health/early-warning-signs-dementia-alzheimers”> < img src=”https://keystone.health/images/resources/keystone-dementia-infographic.png” alt=”Dementia and Alzheimer’s Infographic” /> < /a> < br /> < br /> < a href=”https://keystone.health/early-warning-signs-dementia-alzheimers”> Early Warning Signs of Dementia & Alzheimer’s< /a> created by < a href=”https://keystone.health/”> Keystone Health< /a> < /div>

    The Early Signs Of Dementia Are Very Subtle And May Not Be Immediately Obvious

    Early symptoms also vary a great deal.

    Usually though, people first seem to notice that there is a problem with memory, particularly in remembering recent events.

    Memory loss that affects day-to-day function

    It’s normal to occasionally forget appointments or a friend’s phone number and remember them later.

    A person with dementia may forget things more often and not remember them at all.

    Difficulty performing familiar tasks

    People can get distracted from time to time and they may forget to serve part of a meal.

    A person with dementia may have trouble with all steps involved in preparing a meal.

    Confusion about time and place

    It’s normal to forget the day of the week – for a moment.

    But a person with dementia may have difficulty finding their way to a familiar place, or feel confused about where they are.

    Problems with language

    Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with dementia may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making sentences difficult to understand.

    Problems with abstract thinking

    Managing finances can be difficult for anyone, but a person with dementia may have trouble knowing what the numbers mean.

    Poor or decreased judgment

    A person with dementia may have difficulty judging distance or direction when driving a car.

    Problems misplacing things

    Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with dementia may put things in inappropriate places.

    Changes in personality or behaviour

    A loss of initiative

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    Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

    Dementia Warning Sign Characteristics

    • Forgetting important dates or events
    • Asking the same questions repeatedly
    • Increasingly needing to rely on memory aides
    • Dependence on family members for things the person once handled on their own

    Signs of Normal Aging Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

    Tips for Supporting a Person Living with Dementia

    • Develop a predictable routine and schedule
    • Support with any frustrations they feel talking through issues and looking for ways to manage
    • Support the person with the difficulties they face on a day to day basis, rather than focusing on what might happen in the future
    • Focus on what they can still do and encourage them to continue
    • Encourage spending time with other people and to take part in meaningful activities

    Misplacing Things And Losing The Ability To Retrace Steps

    Dementia Symptoms: Four Early Warning Signs That Are Easy To Miss

    Dementia Warning Sign Characteristics

    • A person living with dementia may put things in unusual places
    • The person may also feel paranoid or have delusions, so they may try to hide or protect them
    • They lose the ability to re-trace their steps to find misplaced items
    • They may accuse other of stealing, especially as the disease progresses

    Signs of Normal Aging Misplacing things from time to time and having to re-trace your steps to find them.

    Tips for Supporting a Person Living with Dementia

    • Consider a hoarding box or drawer where the PLwD can put objects they want to keep safe
    • Try to work out the PLwD seems to hide thigs, then show him/her you are helping them to find the lost items
    • Keep a spare set of things that are often misplaced, such as glasses or keys
    • Dont leave important documents or items lying around.

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    Alzheimers Disease Is One Of Four Types Of Dementia Along With Vascular Dementia Lewy Body Dementia And Frontotemporal Dementia Here We Review The Characteristics Of Each

    A recent study linked both high- and low-normal serum magnesium levels with dementia as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

    Alzheimers disease is the most common of the various types of dementia and has become something of a catch-all term for severe cognitive impairment, but it isnt the only type of dementia to which older adults are vulnerable.

    Figuring out which type a person has is important, since the drug treatments that can help delay disease progression for some individuals are not suitable for all types of dementia, says Mount Sinai geriatrician Patricia Bloom, MD. Some types of dementia also progress faster, making it important for people who are affected to get their personal affairs in order while they are able to.

    Also Check: How Many Types Of Dementia Are There Nhs

    Withdrawal From Work Or Social Activities

    Dementia Warning Sign Characteristics

    • Changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from: Hobbies Social Activities
    • When a person living with dementia is aware of their loss of abilities, they may develop poor self-esteem and lose confidence, which in turn could lead them to withdraw from others

    Signs of Normal Aging Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.

    Tips for Supporting a Person Living with Dementia

    • Encourage engagement
    • Focus on strengths and abilities
    • Honor their remembrances

    Know The Signs Of Dementia

    Alzheimer`s Disease and Dementia Signs and Symptoms Stock Vector ...

    Early diagnosis can help people with dementia plan for the future, and might mean they can access interventions that help slow down the disease. Being familiar with the signs of dementia can help people receive a diagnosis as early as possible.

    Early signs that a person might have dementia can include:

    • being vague in everyday conversations
    • memory loss that affects day-to-day function
    • short term memory loss
    • difficulty performing everyday tasks and taking longer to do routine tasks
    • losing enthusiasm or interest in regular activities
    • difficulties in thinking or saying the right words
    • changes in personality or behaviour
    • finding it difficult to follow instructions
    • finding it difficult to follow stories
    • increased emotional unpredictability.

    Recommended Reading: Therapy Dolls For Dementia Patients

    Symptoms Specific To Dementia With Lewy Bodies

    Dementia with Lewy bodies has many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and people with the condition typically also experience:

    • periods of being alert or drowsy, or fluctuating levels of confusion
    • visual hallucinations
    • becoming slower in their physical movements
    • repeated falls and fainting

    Read more about dementia with Lewy bodies.

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