“Why does Mom ask the same question every day?” “Why can’t Dad find his way back home when he’s lived in this neighborhood all his life?” Many families start noticing signs like these but aren’t sure whether it’s just “normal aging” or a sign of dementia that needs care.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease but a group of symptoms arising from deterioration of the brain in several areas — memory, reasoning, communication, and emotional control. The most common type is Alzheimer’s Disease, accounting for 60–70% of all cases.
The World Health Organization reports that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and this number is projected to rise to 139 million by 2050 (B.E. 2593). In Thailand alone, there are more than 600,000 patients.
10 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- One — forgetting things that just happened, asking the same question repeatedly.
- Two — struggling to plan or solve simple problems the way they used to.
- Three — being unable to carry out familiar activities, such as cooking or driving.
- Four — becoming confused about time and place.
- Five — having trouble with vision and judging distances.
- Six — struggling to speak or write, losing words mid-sentence.
- Seven — putting things in unusual places and then being unable to find them.
- Eight — showing noticeably declining judgment.
- Nine — withdrawing from social activities or hobbies.
- Ten — noticeable changes in mood and personality.
How Families Can Respond
The most important thing is not to wait. If you have concerns, take your loved one to a physician specializing in internal medicine or geriatric psychiatry for an assessment. Although there is currently no cure, early-stage care can slow the decline, reduce suffering, and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
At home, create a safe and familiar environment: label important belongings, keep a clear daily routine, and — crucially — caregivers should manage their own emotions, responding with understanding rather than frustration, even when it’s hard.
And don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Multiple studies have found that dementia caregivers face a high risk of depression and accumulated stress. Making time to rest and accepting help from professionals is just as important. Protea sends our encouragement to every caregiver looking after elderly loved ones and people with dementia — however heavy it gets, however tired you feel, please persevere for the people you love.
References
- World Health Organization. (2023). Dementia Fact Sheet. Geneva: WHO.
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 19(4).
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical Services (Thailand). (2021). Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia.
- Livingston, G. et al. (2020). Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care: 2020 Report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446.
