8. Impaired Object Use: When Familiar Tools Become Puzzles
Impaired object use is another significant symptom of semantic dementia that tends to emerge as the disease progresses. This symptom involves the inability to correctly use everyday objects, making simple tasks challenging and frustrating.
Initially, the person might have trouble operating more complex devices such as a smartphone or a microwave. These difficulties can be easily dismissed as technical incompetence or the result of aging. However, it’s crucial to note that the person is not necessarily forgetting how to use the object but rather losing the understanding of its purpose.
As SD advances, impaired object use can extend to simpler items like a toothbrush, a spoon, or a key. The person might hold the object, stare at it, and appear unsure about what to do with it. These moments can be profoundly disorienting for the individual and heartbreaking for their loved ones to witness.
This difficulty in using objects can significantly impact the person’s ability to perform daily activities independently. Tasks like eating, dressing, or cleaning can become monumental challenges. This symptom underscores the disruptive and pervasive nature of semantic dementia and its profound impact on individuals’ lives. (8)
