Feeling Cold Frequently As An Early Symptom Of Dementia

Understanding Feeling Cold Frequently as an Early Sign of Dementia

Feeling cold all the time can sometimes be an early symptom of dementia. Along with memory problems, there are other less recognizable signs in the early stages of the condition. Being aware of these symptoms allows for early diagnosis and treatment.

How Dementia Impacts Body Temperature

Dementia affects parts of the brain that regulate basic functions like appetite and temperature control. This can make the person feel chronically cold, even when indoors or during warm weather.

In particular, Alzheimer's disease seems to disrupt the hypothalamus which is responsible for controlling body temperature. Nerve cell damage in this area of the brain reduces the body's ability to self-regulate its own temperature.

Other Causes of Feeling Cold

While feeling cold can be an early sign of dementia, there are other potential causes including:

• Hypothyroidism
• Anemia
• Poor circulation or Raynauds disease
• Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
• Low blood sugar
• Common illness like the flu
• Aging and slower metabolism
• Being underweight

Its important to rule out any underlying medical conditions first before assuming feeling cold is dementia-related.

How to Manage Feeling Cold with Dementia

If frequent feelings of chilliness become disruptive, try these management tips:

• Dress in layers to provide extra insulation
• Use blankets or throws to stay warm
• Wear socks, slippers, hats and fingerless gloves indoors
• Install a space heater in frequently used rooms
• Drink warm beverages like tea, coffee, or broth
• Take a warm bath to elevate the body temperature
• Move around and engage in light exercise or activities to generate body heat
• Make sure living areas are sufficiently heated for comfort
• Keep feet warm with socks or foot warmers
• Use an electric mattress pad or extra blankets on the bed

With some small adjustments like these, the coldness symptoms can often be relieved.

Early Signs of Dementia to Recognize

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that impair memory, thinking, problem solving, and normal daily functioning. Knowing the early warning signs allows for prompt evaluation and diagnosis.

Memory Loss

One of the classic early symptoms of dementia is increasing forgetfulness. This is usually the first stage. Signs include:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Asking the same questions repeatedly
• Needing reminders for common tasks or events
• Misplacing often used objects like glasses or keys
• Being unable to recall names, dates, or words
• Forgetting appointments or medications

Mild forgetfulness can be normal with aging. But persistent, worsening memory problems indicate a need for evaluation.

Difficulty Planning and Solving Problems

Early on dementia interferes with the ability to plan, reason, understand numbers, and solve everyday problems like cooking recipes or balancing a checkbook. Signs include:

• Challenges following detailed instructions
• Trouble keeping track of monthly bills
• Getting confused when shopping or driving to familiar places
• Difficulty concentrating and increased mental fatigue

Communication Challenges

Communication problems arise due to impaired word finding, comprehension, and reasoning skills. This manifests as:

• Difficulty finding the right words in conversation
• Using vague language instead of specific details
• Struggling to explain thoughts or articulate ideas
• Relying more on hand gestures to convey meaning
• Repeating phrases and stories in the same conversation
• Trouble following the plot of books, shows or movies

Visual Perception Issues

Dementia can impact visual and spatial processing skills needed for accurate perception. For example:

• Problems judging distance and depth leading to falls
• Difficulty navigating stairs or curbs
• Inability to recognize colors or contrast
• Trouble interpreting symbols, patterns, or three-dimensional drawings

Impaired Judgment

Lack of judgment and dangerous behaviors can occur, including:

• Poor decision making with finances like overspending
• Neglecting personal hygiene and self-care
• Wandering or getting lost in familiar locations
• Agitation, anxiety, anger outbursts
• Acting impulsively without thinking
• Repeating movements like pacing or hand wringing

Causes and Risk Factors for Dementia

Dementia has several underlying causes and contributing risk factors to be aware of.

Common Causes

The most common causes of dementia are:

• Alzheimer's disease - Progressive brain disorder accounting for 60-80% cases.
• Vascular dementia - Impaired blood flow to the brain from stroke or narrowed vessels.
• Lewy Body Dementia - Abnormal protein deposits in brain nerves.
• Frontotemporal dementia - Damage to frontal and temporal brain lobes.
• Mixed dementia - A combination of above types.

Other Contributing Factors

While age is the strongest risk factor, other elements that may contribute to dementia include:

• Genetics and family history
• Serious head injury
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Depression
• Low education and inactivity

Addressing any treatable medical conditions may help delay dementia onset and progression.

Is Dementia Hereditary?

Having a parent, sibling or child with dementia does increase your risk somewhat. The causes behind this link aren't fully clear. The two main factors are:

• Genetics - Certain genes inherited from parents can increase susceptibility to Alzheimer's.
• Shared environment and behaviors - Diet, exercise habits, education level, etc. tend to be shared among families.

However, many people develop dementia without any family history. Just because a parent has it doesn't mean you inevitably will. Focus on living a brain-healthy lifestyle to reduce risk.

Getting a Dementia Evaluation

If you notice progressive mental decline or personality changes, discuss your symptoms with a doctor right away. Effective treatments depend on early intervention.

Dementia Screening Tools

To assess symptoms, doctors have several screening tools they can use including:

• Memory tests - Word recall, drawing tests, clock tests to gauge recall and cognition.
• Questionnaires - Questions about memory, personality changes, daily functioning.
• Physical exam - Checks blood pressure, reflexes, muscle tone, balance.
• Blood tests - Test thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver function.
• Brain imaging - CT scans, MRIs check for tumors, strokes, atrophy.
• Neuropsychological testing - Formal assessment of thinking skills affected by dementia.

Getting a Dementia Diagnosis

Based on a full evaluation, the doctor diagnoses dementia if:

• Memory loss and confusion disrupt daily life.
• Symptoms represent a decline from previous function.
• Two or more cognitive skills like language, reasoning, memory, or perception are significantly impaired.
• Behavior changes are not due to other conditions like depression or side effects of medication.

Additional scans and bloodwork may be ordered to pinpoint the underlying cause - Alzheimer's, Lewy bodies, vascular issues, etc.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Although hard to hear, getting an early dementia diagnosis provides several benefits:

• Start medications to slow progression and manage symptoms.
• Modify unsafe tasks like handling finances, driving, medications.
• Make legal and financial plans while able to participate.
• Enroll in clinical trials.
• Pursue cognitive and social therapies.
• Identify and treat contributing medical conditions.
• Connect with community resources and support groups.

An early diagnosis empowers you to take proactive steps at a time when treatments can be most effective.

Medical Treatments for Dementia Symptoms

While not a cure, medications offer hope for reducing dementia severity.

Alzheimer's Medications

The FDA has approved two drug types to combat Alzheimer's disease:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors - Slow breakdown of acetylcholine. Brand names include Aricept, Razadyne, Exelon.
• NMDA receptor antagonist - Blocks glutamate. Name brand is Namenda.

These drugs help preserve thinking skills and manage behavioral symptoms for some time.

Other Medications for Dementia Symptoms

Other medications that may be prescribed include:

• Antidepressants - Treat depression and anxiety.
• Antipsychotics - Control aggression, hallucinations, mania.
• Mood stabilizers - Carbamazepine, valproate.
• Sleep aids - Improve sleep patterns.
• Anti-seizure drugs - Control seizures in later stages.

Note that antipsychotic medications have risks like increased confusion, falls, and stroke. Use judiciously under medical guidance.

Promising Developments

Ongoing Alzheimers research is investigating:

• New amyloid reducing drugs
• Insulin effects
• Diabetes and inflammation drugs
• Neuroprotective compounds
• Combination therapy approaches

Clinical trials offer access to emerging dementia treatments not yet commercially available.

Alternative Therapies to Discuss with Your Doctor

Some natural options your doctor may recommend include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Coenzyme Q10
• Turmeric/Curcumin
• Sage and rosemary
• Ginkgo biloba
• Vitamin E
• Huperzine A

Note that dietary supplements can have side effects and interactions with medications. Always consult your doctor first.

At Home Dementia Care Strategies

Simple adjustments to daily routines and home environment can assist a loved one experiencing dementia.

Implement a Routine

Maintaining structure helps reduce confusion and anxiety. Tips for creating a dementia-friendly routine:

• Follow a consistent daily schedule.
• Gently reorient if disoriented about time.
• Play favorite soothing music at specific times.
• Serve meals, medications, and sleep at the same intervals.
• Encourage regular light exercise like walking.
• Ensure rooms are well lit to minimize sundowning effects.

Adjust How You Communicate

Try these communication strategies:

• Make eye contact and call them by name.
• Speak slowly and calmly in a reassuring tone.
• Keep sentences short with focused, one-step instructions.
• Allow time for them to respond.
• Repeat or rephrase if needed but avoid quizzing.
• Gesture and point when appropriate.
• Be patient and don't scold if confused.

Create a Dementia Friendly Home

Safety-proofing the home environment helps prevent dangerous situations:

• Add extra lighting and nightlights.
• Remove fall hazards like rugs and clutter.
• Install grab bars, hand rails, elevated toilet seats.
• Use baby monitors/alert systems if wandering is an issue.
• Lock up chemicals, sharp objects, power tools.
• Label doors, cabinets, and drawers.
• Post reminders like checklists and calendars.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

Helping care for someone with dementia poses challenges. Self-care for caregivers is vital.

Respite Care Options

Caregivers need regular breaks from the demands of dementia. Options for relief include:

• Adult day care centers
• In-home caregivers
• Short term nursing home stays
• Family respite assistance

Taking advantage of respite care services combats caregiver stress and burnout.

Join a Support Group

Connecting with other dementia caregivers provides emotional support and practical advice. Options include:

• Alzheimer's Association support groups
• Online message boards and forums
• Local community caregiver groups
• Church or social club caregiver ministries
• Therapy or counseling for caregivers

Explore Payment Options for Care

Paying for dementia services often requires piecing together funding, such as:

• Long term care insurance
• Medicare and Medicaid
• Veterans benefits
• Private pay
• Health savings accounts
• Aid from other family

An elder care advisor can help identify affordable solutions tailored to your needs.

Preparing for Late Stage Dementia

In the later stages of dementia, families must make difficult emotional and medical decisions. Some considerations include:

Legal Paperwork

Complete advance directives like:

• Living will - Spells out end-of-

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.