There are high-risk factors of developing dementia in teens. Moreover, the initial dementia stage symptoms might seem pretty subtle, but as time passes, the condition only gets worse.
The warning signs of dementia vary, and the only way to cure it is with the assistance of an expert as they know the effective solution to this condition. However, the early warning signs of dementia might be depression, increased confusion, misplacing things, temper issues, and mood swings.
So, in this blog post, you’ll learn about the early signs and warnings of dementia and also how doctors might tackle such problems.
Early Symptoms of Dementia in Teens
Early symptoms of dementia in teens might vary. However, there are some common and early symptoms that you may find in all children.
These early symptoms are important as these would determine the type of dementia the teen is suffering from. Below are some of the early and common signs of dementia:
- Behavior or personality changes
- Memory issues, especially when remembering recent events
- Depression
- Not being able to do everyday tasks
- Increased confusion
Sometimes parents fail to understand these symptoms of their teens, and gradually this dementia gets worse. Most of the parents assume that this is a natural aging process. Moreover, symptoms might also develop slowly and stay unnoticed. Teens don’t always want to share about their issues, which can make these dementia conditions worse.
Also Read: Patients suffering from dementia are frequently obsessed with the pursuit of wealth. Continue reading to find out more about the relationship between dementia and money obsession.
Dementia and its Warning Signs
The following checklists will give you the common warning signs of dementia in teens. However, if there are too many warning signs, you should consult with an expert as soon as possible as delaying will only worsen these conditions.
1. Dementia and Memory Loss
It’s fine if you sometimes forget things and later remember them. However; that’s not the dementia case, a teen who has dementia might forget things pretty often and might not ever recall them later.
2. Dementia and Hearing Loss
Dementia can also cause hearing loss. Even though hearing loss is a more prevalent problem among the elderly, teens who develop dementia can also suffer from hearing loss. As dementia is related to brain cell damage, hearing loss may occur if the brain finds it difficult to process sound. Over time, hearing loss can become more severe as the brain continues to get stressed. Timely treatment and using hearing aids are very important to prevent severe hearing loss.
3. Difficulty While Carrying Out Tasks
If you notice your teen keeps forgetting simple things like their class schedules, cleaning their bedrooms, or meeting their friends, you should consider consulting a doctor. Teens who have dementia might face these issues regularly.
4. Disorientation
Teens who have dementia might also face issues getting to a familiar place or even feel disorientated to go to a familiar place. They may feel confused about where they are and if they have ever seen the place before.
5. Language Problems and Challenges
Many teens may face issues with choosing the right words. However, when suffering from dementia, they may even face challenges remembering the simplest of words or structuring a proper sentence. They may also have trouble understanding others.
6. Poor Judgment
While it could be argued that poor judgment is something many teens have, teens with dementia may face issues with a simple judgment call like choosing the right clothing to wear in cold weather or hot weather.
7. Misplacing Things
Teens with dementia may not know they are misplacing things from their actual place. For instance, they may misplace the keys or their smartphone. Even worse, they might forget the purpose of the keys or even their smartphone.
8. Mood Swings and Changes in Personality
Mood swings are pretty common among teenagers, but ones suffering from dementia might have rapid mood swings for no apparent reason. They may become confused and suspicious.
Also Read: Lip-smacking is the most common symptom of Lewy body dementia. Continue reading to learn how hearing aids can help reduce the symptoms of dementia that develop as a result of hearing loss.
Possible Dementia Assessments and Treatments
Only a dementia specialist can diagnose dementia. If you see frequent dementia symptoms in your teen, please consult an expert immediately. Early dementia treatments can prevent things from getting worse. Moreover, a full medical assessment can find the best treatment options.
Below are the assessments and treatments that doctors might perform to keep dementia under control.
Medical History
The doctor will gather information about your past and present medical issues, and your family medical history. They may also inquire about your past medications and behavior issues. The doctor may talk to a close family member to get more detail and a different perspective.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests usually involve urine and blood tests to identify the actual cause of the disease. While for many years urine and blood tests were considered useless to detect dementia, new forms of these tests may be effective. The doctor might also take a test of a small amount of spinal fluid to clarify any rare cases.
Cognitive Tests
The best way to diagnose dementia is to conduct a few cognitive tests. Common forms of cognitive tests suitable for dementia patients are the Mini-Cog Test and the ACE-R Test. For mild cases of dementia, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment is the most suitable test.
Using Hearing Aids
If a dementia patient starts having difficulty hearing, it is a must to get hearing aids as soon as possible. Otherwise the condition will continue to decline as the brain will have to work harder to process sound properly. Using hearing aids will remove the extra burden off the brain, and dementia will be kept under control.
Psychiatric Assessment
Psychiatric assessments may help the doctors to identify any treatable conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Counseling and light therapy sessions may be provided to help you recover without any adverse effects.
Also Read: Single-sided deafness, also known as unilateral deafness, is a type of hearing loss that affects only one ear. It should be investigated as soon as possible. Learn about the causes and treatments of this condition!
Final Words
The signs of dementia in teens are pretty vague and subtle and might not even seem immediate at first. So it’s essential to pay attention to even the slightest of symptoms. If you see too many warning signs of dementia, consult with an expert immediately. They may suggest light therapy sessions for a better treatment alternative. In addition, don’t forget to get yourself a pair of hearing aids when you feel your hearing is not at its best.
