Dementia can have physical signs to watch for

About 7 million Americans have dementia, and experts say physical signs such as trouble walking or balance, changes in smell or taste, swallowing difficulties, incontinence and sleep disturbances can accompany cognitive decline.

Many people experience occasional memory lapses as they age, and those changes are often normal. Dementia is different: it describes a group of conditions in which cognitive impairments affect daily function. Roughly 7 million Americans have dementia, and experts say that number may double by 2060. Clinicians note the transition to dementia is marked when cognitive problems begin to impair everyday activities. Physical signs to note: - Trouble walking, loss of balance, and frequent falls can occur and often worsen as dementia progresses. - Posture changes, a shuffling gait, or slower walking may be seen with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson-related forms. - Unexplained changes in taste or smell have been associated with Lewy body dementia. - Difficulty swallowing can cause food or liquid to enter the airway and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. - New or worsening incontinence and constipation can reflect nerve changes as some dementias progress. - REM behavior disorder—moving, shouting, or acting out dreams at night—can sometimes precede Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Summary: Physical symptoms often appear later in the course of dementia, though some changes in balance, smell, or sleep may arise earlier for certain forms. The article notes that clinicians can use biomarkers in blood or spinal fluid to help identify the type of dementia, and that available treatments are described as management options rather than cures. Early diagnosis is described as helpful for planning and making decisions about future care.