Early Stage Dementia Can Be Hard to Catch: 10 Reasons Signs Are Missed

Why Can Alzheimer's Be Difficult to Detect?

Every family's experience is different. And generalizations often neglect factors that are unique to individual situations.

But, if you -- or your loved one's doctor -- had trouble spotting a mild impairment that has possibly already escalated into full-blown dementia, you're not alone.

In this video, I will sketch ten (10) possible reasons why the earliest signs of cognitive decline often can go unnoticed.

1. There is no single, go-to test.
2. Cognitive assessments (like the MMSE) can be unreliable.
3. Before dementia becomes obvious, you may not be looking for it.
4. Doctor visits may be short, stressful, and impersonal.
5. It's possible to be "too close" to see the decline clearly.
6. You may not be entertaining medical explanations for the evidence.
7. Alzheimer's (et al.) may present with intermittent symptomatology.
8. People differ in their abilities and willingness to spot symptoms.
9. Afflicted love one's may try to downplay or mask their decline.
10. In its earliest stage, dementia may look like "normal aging."

Disclaimers: I am not a physician or healthcare professional of any kind. This presentation is intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. No advice -- of any sort -- is expressed or implied. If you think that you, or a close family member or friend, might be suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or some other form of cognitive impairment or dementia, then you should seek (or encourage them to seek) medical attention.