Dementia is a general term that characterizes a group of conditions that impact memory, decision-making, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia; other types of dementia include vascular disorder, as well as Lewy body, frontotemporal and mixed forms of dementia. Dementia’s early signs might be challenging to detect since they often start mild, resembling typical age-related cognitive issues, and progress slowly. However, these are the common early warning signs of dementia:
1. Memory loss
Loss of memory is an early sign of dementia. A patient with dementia can often recall events from their past but cannot remember what they ate for breakfast. Some additional short-term memory impairments that you might notice in someone with dementia include difficulty recalling why they entered a particular room, forgetting where they put things, and forgetting what they intended to accomplish that day.
2. Behavioral changes
A radical shift in one’s mood often accompanies dementia. Early-stage dementia patients often struggle with symptoms of depression and might also seem more afraid or worried than before they were diagnosed with the disease. They may quickly become distressed if their regular pattern is disrupted or if they are placed in an unfamiliar setting. You might also observe a change in their personality. As dementia progresses, one of the most common personality changes is transitioning from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert.
3. Increased confusion about time and place
It is common for someone with early-stage dementia to become disoriented. Dementia patients might have difficulty remembering the day or month, recognizing familiar people, or determining their current location. For instance, they might forget someone they just met or where they placed their car keys.
4. Problem solving difficulties
Another potential early warning sign of dementia is a gradual decline in one’s ability to carry out everyday chores. Dementia can make it difficult for a person to carry out daily activities or stick to a schedule. For instance, they might find it hard to make a cup of tea, get to a place they know well, or use a computer.
5. Speech and communication issues
Difficulty expressing and communicating one’s thoughts and feelings is another sign of dementia. People with dementia may have trouble explaining things or getting the correct words to say what they want to say. They may also become stuck while making a statement and have no idea how to proceed. Conversations with someone with dementia can be complicated, and they may take longer to communicate their ideas or emotions. Therefore, it’s essential to be patient with them.
While it is common for people to experience some minor cognitive difficulties as they age, resulting from factors such as exhaustion, lack of focus, or heavy long-term drinking, it is still important to follow-up on potential symptoms of dementia with a physician. Diagnosing and treating dementia early is the best way to ensure that the condition doesn’t worsen. Some treatment options may include therapy, medication, and cognitive training.
