Fact 14: The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of dementia and its accompanying delusions is critically important in managing the disease and enhancing quality of life. When cognitive decline or behavioral symptoms such as delusions are noticed and addressed early, it opens doors to better disease management. The advantage lies in the opportunity for timely interventions and treatments, potentially slowing down the progression of dementia and its troubling symptoms.
Starting treatments at the earliest stages can potentially slow cognitive decline. For some patients, early interventions can even temporarily improve cognitive function or delay the onset of severe symptoms. Medications currently approved to treat dementia work best when given early in the disease process. This holds true for both cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss, as well as behavioral symptoms, such as delusions.
In addition to medical benefits, early detection provides an opportunity for patients and their families to plan for the future. Being diagnosed with dementia is a life-changing event, and early diagnosis allows for adequate time to adjust to this new reality. It provides a window to make necessary legal, financial, and care arrangements while the person with dementia can still actively participate in decisions.
Early detection is also crucial in equipping caregivers with the knowledge and strategies needed to manage the challenging journey ahead. When delusions are identified early on, caregivers can be trained to employ effective communication strategies and coping mechanisms to manage these episodes. This can lead to less distress for both the individual with dementia and the caregiver, potentially leading to a better quality of care. (14)
