How do we know that we have dementia?

September 15, 2025
Author: Dr. Majid Kehanifard
The article has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Majid Kehanifard

Dementia or dementia is one of the common neuro-cognitive disorders that leads to a gradual decrease in mental and cognitive abilities such as memory, decision making, problem solving and communication. This disease, which can be caused by brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, vascular problems, or diseases such as Parkinson's, has a significant impact on the quality of life of the person and those around him. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention can play an important role in controlling this disorder. In the rest of this article, we will review the early symptoms of dementia, diagnosis methods, and services related to the management of this disease. Stay tuned.

Dementia: early and warning signs

Dementia symptoms in the early stages may be mild and sometimes ignored, but over time, these symptoms worsen. Below are some of the most common early symptoms.

Short-term memory impairment

One of the first and most common symptoms of dementia is short-term memory problems. People may forget recent conversations, lose things like keys or glasses, and even after being reminded several times, they still can't remember it. These forgetfulness usually start gradually and intensify over time. For example, the person may not remember where to park the car or forget important appointments. In more advanced stages, this disorder may lead to forgetting the names of close people or important life events.

One of the first and most common symptoms of dementia is problems related to short-term memory, which you can see in the picture of a person who has problems.

Decreased concentration and attention

Difficulty concentrating and paying attention is another early symptom of dementia that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Affected individuals may become distracted while performing simple activities and may not be able to complete the task. For example, while cooking, they may forget to turn off the oven or add ingredients. Also, in daily conversations, they may lose the topic of discussion or not be able to respond properly to what others are saying. This disorder in concentration can reduce productivity in work or daily life.

Problems in judgment and decision-making

Dementia can affect a person's ability to make decisions and make logical judgments. Affected people may make wrong decisions or have difficulty in managing finances and simple planning. For example, they may spend their money on unnecessary goods or forget about important bills. In some cases, they may not understand everyday risks such as driving in inappropriate conditions. These problems can severely disrupt a person's daily life and endanger their safety.

Behavioral and emotional changes

Another symptom of dementia is noticeable changes in behavior and mood. People may experience depression, anxiety, or irritability and exhibit behaviors that are unexpected for those around them. Some may become apathetic and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Also, these people may get angry or anxious about small issues. Behavioral changes usually have significant effects on a person's social and family relationships and can cause a lot of stress for those around them.

Problems in language and expression

Problems in language and expression are one of the common symptoms of dementia that are often revealed in everyday conversations. People may have trouble finding the right words or use the wrong words. For example, they may use the word "water" instead of saying "tea" or forget the names of simple objects. This language disorder can cause confusion and frustration for a person and interfere with his social relationships and daily communication.

Problems in language and expression are one of the common symptoms of dementia that often manifest in everyday conversations as you can see in the picture, the person cannot speak well.

Getting lost in familiar surroundings

Losing the ability to navigate and recognize familiar surroundings is another early symptom of dementia. A person may get lost in places they have frequented for years or forget the way back home. In some cases, they may get confused even in closed environments like their home and cannot distinguish between different rooms. This confusion can create feelings of fear and anxiety in the person and increase the need for help from others.

Loss of interest in activities

One of the most noticeable changes in people with dementia is a loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy. These people may no longer be interested in hobbies such as reading books, sports, or meeting friends and prefer to spend more time alone. This apathy can be due to depression caused by illness or inability to perform activities due to cognitive problems. Reduced social participation can also accelerate the progression of the disease.

How do medical services help in diagnosing dementia?

To diagnose dementia, doctors use a variety of tools and methods. These services include the following.

Engography (EEG)

Engography or Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the diagnostic methods that the electrical activity of the brain records and analyzes This method helps doctors to identify abnormal patterns in brain function. In patients with dementia, the brain tape can show signs of disturbances in the electrical activities of certain areas of the brain. Additionally, EEG helps differentiate dementia from other disorders such as seizures or encephalopathy. This tool is especially useful for people who have symptoms of dementia with seizures or loss of consciousness.

Cerebral Doppler ultrasound

Cerebral Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive method used to examine the blood flow in cerebral vessels. This method can identify problems such as narrowing or blockage of cerebral vessels that may lead to reduced blood supply to different parts of the brain. Decreased blood flow to the brain can be one of the factors that aggravate dementia or cognitive problems. For example, people with vascular dementia usually have vascular abnormalities that can be detected by brain Doppler. This procedure is safe, quick and painless and provides important information about the health of the cerebrovascular system.

Nerve and muscle tape

Nerve and muscle tape (EMG) is a tool that examines the function of peripheral nerves and muscles. Although this test is not directly used to diagnose dementia, it can help differentiate other neurological diseases that have similar symptoms to dementia. For example, diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may cause symptoms that are mistaken for dementia. Performing this test can help doctors to diagnose related or concurrent neurological diseases and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Psychological and cognitive evaluation

One of the main methods for diagnosing dementia is the use of standard psychological and cognitive tests. These tests include assessments of memory, problem-solving ability, concentration, and language skills. Tests such as MMSE (Brief Mental Status Examination) or MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) help doctors assess the severity of cognitive impairment and the extent to which it affects a person's daily functioning. These tests are usually performed orally or in writing and provide comprehensive information about the patient's mental state and cognitive function. Brain imaging (MRI and CT) Brain imaging using MRI or CT scan is one of the key methods for examining the structure and health of the brain in people suspected of dementia. MRI can show structural changes in the brain, such as reduction in brain volume, atrophy of certain lobes (such as the temporal lobe in Alzheimer), or the presence of brain damage. A CT scan is also useful for identifying silent strokes, hemorrhages, or structural abnormalities. These methods help doctors diagnose possible causes of dementia, including vascular damage or degenerative diseases, and plan appropriate treatment. In addition, imaging can help rule out treatable causes such as tumors or hydrocephalus.

Evaluation of cognitive function with EEG

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive method that helps to identify abnormal patterns in brain function by recording the electrical activity of the brain. This tool is especially useful in diagnosing certain types of dementia, such as dementia caused by epilepsy or changes related to brain patterns. One of the main benefits of EEG is its ability to differentiate dementia from other neurological disorders such as seizures or encephalopathy. In addition, EEG can identify cognitive changes associated with dementia in the early stages and help doctors evaluate the effectiveness of drug or non-drug treatments. Using this method allows more accurate and timely management of the disease.

Doctor's home visit for a more comprehensive evaluation

After the diagnosis of dementia, careful planning for disease management is very important. Some activities can help improve a person's condition. Examples of these activities are:

expert consultation; Visiting a neurologist is one of the first steps in dementia management. By examining the symptoms and performing the required tests, the specialist diagnoses the exact type of dementia and provides an appropriate treatment plan. The doctor can provide explanations regarding the prognosis of the disease and care tips. In the treatment of dementia, drugs such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help slow the progression of the disease. These drugs, especially in the early to middle stages of the disease, can improve the patient's cognitive function or prevent its decline.
Cognitive rehabilitation; Cognitive rehabilitation includes exercises and activities that help improve memory, attention, decision-making, and other cognitive functions. These exercises are performed under the supervision of specialists and can help the patient to maintain or improve their mental abilities.
Psychological and social support; Dementia can have many negative effects on the mental health of the patient and those around him. Participation in support groups or psychological counseling can help reduce stress and anxiety and help the patient and his family cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
Lifestyle modification; Eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and participating in social activities can help improve the quality of life of people with dementia. Regular physical activities and quality sleep can help maintain brain health and reduce disease symptoms.

Conclusion

Dementia is a complex disease that can have extensive effects on the life of a person and his family. Early diagnosis of dementia and the use of appropriate medical services, such as consultation with a neurologist, are key tools to control the disease. Brain damage or frequent headaches can be early symptoms that indicate the risk of developing dementia. In the early stages, timely intervention can help reduce the progression of the disease and improve a person's quality of life. If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is better to consult a neurologist as soon as possible. This not only helps in early detection of dementia but also provides more opportunities for effective treatment.

Categories:

Memory disorders and dementia and Alzheimer's Prevention of neurological diseases

Dr. Majid Kihani Fard Dr. Majid Kihanifard was born in 1352 in Isfahan. He completed his general medical education at Isfahan University and specialized neurology course at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and completed his knowledge and skills by completing a subspecialty fellowship in cerebrovascular surgery in Switzerland. He has always been a pioneer in providing new treatments and effective research, especially in the field of MS and stroke prevention, by emphasizing on increasing the health level of the society, informing the patients and respecting the patient. Dr. Kihanifared has been awarded the title of "Best neurologist in Isfahan" by the provincial medical system organization and has played an effective role in improving patient care services with applied research and advanced surgeries. Related Articles

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