In May, the month of families, many families are gathering in one place for the first time in a while due to the holiday. Family gatherings can provide an opportunity to check the cognitive function of elderly parents or the developmental status of children and adolescents. Experts advise that paying attention to small changes that differ from the past can help detect diseases early.
By closely observing parents' memory, one can determine whether it is forgetfulness or the early signs of dementia. Forgetfulness due to aging can happen to anyone. It may manifest as forgetting names during conversation or missing appointments, but memories may return over time.
In contrast, the early symptoms of dementia are different. They may exhibit abnormal behaviors such as repeating the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, or being confused about time and place. Especially if they cannot recall family names or family events, or if the taste of food made by their parents suddenly changes, one should suspect the pre-dementia stage known as 'mild cognitive impairment (MCI).'
Cho Ho-jin, a professor of neurology at Hanyang University Guri Hospital (policy director of the Korean Dementia Society), noted, "While general age-related forgetfulness often involves frequent lapses, the original personality does not change significantly. In contrast, individuals with dementia may become stubborn or aggressive, and those who were formerly lively may become docile, often accompanied by changes in personality."
There are also differences in how memory is assessed. Professor Cho stated, "With forgetfulness, individuals often regain their memories when given hints, but those with dementia do not remember even with prompts. This is one of the important criteria distinguishing forgetfulness from dementia."
If noticeable changes have occurred, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed evaluation, including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cognitive function tests, and blood tests. While dementia is difficult to cure, early diagnosis can slow its progression and maintain daily functions for a longer period. Professor Cho remarked, "If parents feel burdened by the expense of testing, utilizing the free screening programs implemented by local government dementia centers is a good option."
Children should also be closely observed during family gatherings. It is vital to detect and start treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or developmental disabilities early. Parents may become desensitized to subtle changes due to being accustomed to their child's behavior, but other family members who meet them after a long time can easily notice the differences.
Generally, children may be distracted and lack concentration. However, in the case of ADHD, impulsive behavior and a lack of patience are pronounced. If a child cannot sit still for long, interrupts during conversations, or has difficulty waiting their turn, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
If a child speaks later than peers, responds slowly to questions, or plays with toys in an abnormal manner, it may be a sign of developmental disabilities. Difficulty in making eye contact or engaging in social interactions with peers is also a significant indicator. These symptoms typically first appear around ages 2 to 4, and early diagnosis followed by language therapy or social skills training can greatly improve outcomes.
Experts recommend prioritizing psychiatric consultations for children who show concerning symptoms. Depending on the symptoms, collaboration with pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, pediatric neurology, and otolaryngology may be necessary. For example, a child who speaks late may have a hearing issue rather than a language problem, so they should undergo hearing tests for an accurate diagnosis.
Kim Dong-wook, president of the Korean Association for Mental Health, said, "If ADHD is detected early in childhood and appropriate treatment is initiated, many functions can be restored. However, there are cases where families hesitate to pursue diagnosis and treatment, leading to missed opportunities. Once they reach adulthood, treatment can become much more difficult."