You may ask yourself, “If there is no cure for dementia, then why is early identification useful?” According to a study by the Alzheimer’s Society, more than half of people put off getting a dementia diagnosis for up to a year as a result of fear. Almost two-thirds of people surveyed felt a diagnosis would mean their life was over. But there are some benefits to getting an early jump on the detection of dementia. Here are 3 reasons to address the new onset of a cognitive declines soon as possible:
A Better Quality of Life
The identified cognitive decline may be caused by something that is treatable, such as depression or a vitamin B12 deficiency, and early diagnosis can prevent further decline. If you are actually diagnosed with a condition like dementia, early detection can help you to plan your life ahead in a systematic manner as memory loss isn’t as prominent during the early stages. Early diagnosis will help you to understand the prognosis and progression of dementia and knowing what is to come will help you be prepared for the journey making the entire process a little less difficult.
Choose Your Caregivers
Early diagnosis helps you to choose the best caregiver to assist your loved one in providing them the independence they so desperately want to hold on to. Early diagnosis alerts doctors and family members to the possibility that the person may need assistance with daily tasks such as cooking and managing medications. It’s important to discuss the diagnosis with family members and begin the search for appropriate support services and help. With counseling and support, persons with dementia can be part of the major decisions that will have to be made at a time when they may no longer be able to choose for themselves, including potential wellness programs, amending their living situation and making choices about end of life care.
Take the right medications
There are certain conditions that can lead to reversible dementia such as those caused by hypothyroidism, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6 deficiency. There are also other temporary states such as delirium or depression that can produce dementia-like symptoms. A discussion with your loved one’s MD can result in a prescription medication that may slow the rate at which the symptoms get worse, or allow the option to join in a clinical trial. They may also receive medications that control problems with behavior, loss of judgement or confusion that result from dementia.
Presently there is no cure for dementia, but there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function if it’s diagnosed in the early stages. An early diagnosis can also help people with dementia get the right information and support, and help to prepare and plan for the future while taking an active role in managing their condition. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences dementia and its progression in their own way, but with treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives.
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