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Education Article – Sept 2016

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From Assumptions to Awareness: Understanding the Behavioural Red Flags of Dementia

Memory loss—it’s the number one warning sign that people think of when it comes to Alzheimer’s or other dementias. But what about an increase in aggressive outbursts?  Worrying and feeling anxious in ways not felt previously? Making crude remarks that are not in keeping with one’s usual personality? These types of behavioural changes, though less well understood, were a focus at the recent Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference.

As reported by AP, a checklist of symptoms for what is being termed “mild behavioural impairment” was proposed by researchers at the Conference as a way of alerting doctors and family members to the possible onset of dementia. These symptoms may include:  a loss of interest in activities that were once engaging, being less spontaneous, becoming very irritable, talking about personal issues in public, developing addictive behaviours such as gambling and shoplifting, or even hallucinating and hearing voices. Though forgetfulness still remains the main prompt for a visit to the doctor’s to determine whether dementia is present, it is important to be aware that these other behavioural symptoms may be warning signs as well.

Often overlooked because attributed to other conditions or simply relegated to the category of ‘stressed out’ or ‘the natural aging process,’ behavioural changes (such as those listed above) can be valuable clues in determining a diagnosis of dementia. Researchers are hoping that more individuals will be able to spot these behavioural red flags and make a shift from assumptions towards greater awareness.

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