Dementia: Most Missed Warning Sign Identified

Ronald Reagan, Bruce Willis, Peter Falk, Glen Campbell Among Those Diagnosed

In March 2022, actor Bruce Willis announced through his family that he was retiring from acting. By February 2023, an updated announcement clarified why. The Die Hard star has a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD for short.

“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead,” the now, 68 year old star said in a statement. “As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”

Dementia is a common condition that affects millions of Americans over the age of 65. While memory loss and confusion are well-known symptoms, there are other signs that should not be overlooked.

According to neurologist Dr. Arif Dalvi, difficulty with language and spatial skills can indicate early stages of dementia.

Other red flags include difficulty completing familiar tasks, noise sensitivity, and personality changes without explanation.

Some types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, can cause hallucinations or delusions, so any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Some prominent people and celebrities who had Lewy body dementia include Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams, Rita Hayworth, Rosa Parks, Coach Pat Summit, Ted Turner, and baseball’s Tom Seaver.

Other people with dementia included Glen Campbell and Peter Falk.

Early diagnosis is crucial to improving quality of life and slowing the progression of the disease. Traditional treatment options such as medication to manage symptoms and recommendations for lifestyle changes are vital in maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.

There have been significant breakthroughs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, with the FDA approving two new drugs that target the buildup of amyloid beta plaques in the brain. Other innovative approaches to treatment include suppressing neuroinflammation and using gene therapy.

There is no official age for a dementia screening, but it is recommended that individuals over the age of 65 have a mini cognitive assessment.

Physicians can look for reversible causes of memory loss such as a vitamin B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism.

Screening for hearing loss is also important as it is estimated that 1 out of 9 dementias can be explained on the basis of age-related hearing loss.

Overall, an early and accurate diagnosis allows for a plan to be put in place for either treating or slowing the cause of dementia. There should be no stigma associated with screening for dementia, and individuals should bring up any concerning symptoms to their doctor as soon as possible.

While there is no complete cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s, there is a lot that can be done to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.

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