Misplaced keys – is this a sign of dementia?

As a general practitioner, I have patients concerned about their memory and whether this is a sign of dementia.

Dementia, a condition affecting memory and thinking, touches the lives of many people around the world. The Fraser Coast in 2021, has a population of approximately 110 000, of this cohort 1.7% have been diagnosed with dementia, which equates to nearly 2000 people. 

It's important to know that dementia is not just a normal part of getting older.  Dementia is an umbrella term and there are many different causes including Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

See your General Practitioner (GP) early, especially if you, your family or your friends are worried.  Getting the right diagnosis early is vital - so we can work together to limit progression, develop a management strategy and plan.

Further investigations including memory tests, blood tests and imaging. Sometimes, a referral to a subspecialty such as a neurologist or geriatrician to confirm the diagnosis. However, we know there are significant wait times for these services.

Living with dementia isn't easy, not just for the person with it, but for their family too. Dementia is a progressive illness, and the goal of management involves maintaining the individual’s function and independence. Additionally, we want to ensure the safety of the individual and people around them.  To achieve this requires a team.

Your healthcare team will include your GP, pharmacist, nurse and allied health.  We encourage the optimisation of your physical and psychological health, including hearing, vision, mobility and balance.  We recommend regular blood tests, immunisations and other preventative health measures.

Support groups are a great place to find resources and connect with others. We encourage people are registered to My Aged Care to access additional supports. Many activities currently occur in our community which include exercise and social groups.

To reassure my readers, misplaced keys generally is not a sign of dementia! However, it is an opportunity to discuss your health with your GP, as prevention is the key.

Dr Nick Yim - GP Torquay Doctors