Fact 10: Early Detection of Dementia Can Improve Quality of Life
Early detection of dementia can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. While dementia currently has no cure, early diagnosis allows for the initiation of treatments that can help manage symptoms and slow the disease progression.
With early detection, individuals with dementia and their families have more time to plan for the future. They can make decisions about care, living arrangements, financial and legal matters, and end-of-life care in the early stages of the disease, when the individual can still participate in these discussions.
Furthermore, early diagnosis can provide access to resources such as support groups, counseling, and educational materials, which can help individuals with dementia and their families navigate the challenges of the disease.
Even in the absence of noticeable symptoms, regular cognitive assessments can be beneficial, especially for older adults and those with a family history of dementia. Such assessments can identify cognitive changes that might indicate the early stages of dementia, allowing for prompt intervention. (10)
