Dementia is a general term for a range of diseases that affect one’s ability to recall events, think, or make decisions. [1] A dementia diagnosis is typically made by a health care practitioner following a series of problem-solving, memory, and other cognitive ability tests. Doctors use various brain scans, blood tests, and physical examinations to try to determine the underlying problem. However, there are certain early dementia symptoms that you may recognize before a medical diagnosis has been performed.
10 Early Dementia Symptoms
Dementia is divided into three stages: early, middle, and late, with symptoms getting worse as the disease develops. These are the 10 early dementia symptoms that you will notice in your loved ones. If you notice any of these, book an appointment with a healthcare practitioner for a thorough medical examination.
Memory Loss
Early indicators of dementia include forgetting newly acquired information, having trouble recalling names, and forgetting important dates. Individuals in the early stages of dementia regularly use memory aides, such as calendars or electronic reminders, and often repeat questions or anecdotes. However, while this is prevalent in dementia cases, it can also be a marker of aging or moderate cognitive impairment. Additional causes of memory loss include vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, and problems with the kidney, brain, liver, thyroid, or the use of certain medicines. [2]
Read More: 25 Signs of Alzheimer’s You Should Never Ignore
Problem-Solving and Planning Challenges
The occasional mistake while balancing a checkbook is a typical sign of aging. However, constantly losing track of monthly bills may be more concerning. If you are having difficulty concentrating or trouble following a favorite recipe, it may be a sign that you require an appointment with your doctor. Planning can become very difficult for people in the early stages of dementia, revealing a decline in executive functioning. [3] Difficulties with problem-solving might also indicate various health problems, ranging from major illnesses like brain tumors to less significant ones like stress.
Familiar Tasks Become Difficult to Complete
In early dementia, even simple chores can grow challenging. Many elderly individuals may struggle to use a computer or adjust the settings on a television remote. However, this is normally just a natural indication of aging. Individuals with dementia are unable to carry out everyday tasks that were previously part of their daily routine. [4] Getting dressed can even prove to be a challenging experience for dementia patients.
Getting Confused Over Times and Places
People with early-stage dementia often lose track of the time, months, or even seasons. They also get confused about where they are and how they got there. While many seniors can sometimes forget the day, time-related disorientation in dementia is more serious and should be checked out by a specialist. This disorientation might occur suddenly or gradually, with moments of clarity in between. Dementia patients can also experience time distortion and feeling like they haven’t seen loved ones in ages despite seeing them recently.
Read More: 15 factors that may raise risk of getting early dementia, according to study
Having Issues with Spatial Relations and Images
People with dementia often have trouble with pictures and spatial relationships. This can lead to decreased depth perception, an increased risk of falling, and difficulties with daily functions such as eating and washing. Driving becomes risky because of difficulties navigating turns and lanes, and many people are forced to stop driving altogether. Reading is also influenced by visuospatial difficulties and difficulties comprehending words. A 2016 study discovered substantial early impairment in visuospatial abilities in individuals with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementia, which worsens as the disease develops.
Difficulties Finding the Right Words When Writing or Speaking
While normal aging may sometimes cause difficulty finding the right words, communication problems in early dementia are more severe. Individuals with dementia regularly fail to follow conversations and identify recognizable items, which is an early warning sign that should be discussed with a doctor. Aphasia, a language condition that impairs speaking, writing, and comprehension, may also occur. according to the Mayo Clinic. Primary progressive aphasia is a form of frontotemporal dementia, Other illnesses, such as strokes, brain tumors, and traumas, may additionally affect communication and language abilities.
Constantly Misplacing Objects
Misplaced objects may include something being left in an unusual location, such as putting vehicle keys in the microwave. Those who are struggling with dementia may find it hard to retrace their steps while trying to locate whatever they have misplaced. The inability to retrace steps identifies this as one of the early dementia symptoms rather than a normal consequence of getting older. It can prove to be both dangerous and annoying. As the condition advances, the patient might accuse others of taking the things that they lost.
A Marked Decline in Judgment
Decision-making can become noticeably impaired in the early stages of dementia. This can often lead to poor judgment. For example, Individuals may make poor financial decisions or struggle to remember to look after their pets. They may also place less emphasis on personal hygiene. Those who have dementia are especially vulnerable to financial scams. However, a single poor judgment should not be regarded as proof of dementia. Instead, look out for behavioral patterns pattern, such as putting on summer clothing in the cold or walking through a busy location without paying attention to the surrounding traffic.
Withdrawing from Social Interactions and Work
In the early stages of dementia, many people start to avoid the activities that they once used to enjoy. Things like watching their favorite sport or attending family meals may become less pleasurable. This is due to their growing inability to follow discussions or engage in hobbies in a way that previously made sense. This often leads to dementia patients retreating into solitude. They may sleep more often or spend more time in front of the television. Social withdrawal may also be a sign of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mood and Personality Changes
Personality and mood changes may point to major health problems, including mental health issues, hormonal imbalances, or abuse of drugs. These changes often manifest as anxiety, distrust, or impatience over little issues that wouldn’t have upset them in the past. To help people control their mood swings, the National Institute on Aging recommends coping strategies such as developing a daily routine and using humor when suitable.
Read More: 10 Sustainable Home Technologies That Will Improve Your Everyday Life