It is important to note that dementia is not a single disease. The term is actually a broad term that describes a collection of symptoms that occur together. There are several symptoms that can affect someone’s memory, as well as his or her ability to think, process information, and communicate with others.
Approximately 55 million people around the world live with dementia, and more than 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed every year, according to the World Health Organization. Despite the fact that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, it is not the only one.
Despite the fact that dementia symptoms can vary due to the underlying cause, there are some key symptoms that are considered to be common warning signs of this condition.
In this article, we are going to look more closely at 10 of the most common warning signs of dementia, along with the causes, risk factors, and ways in which it can be prevented.
There are early signs of Dementia. Knowing what to look for is important!
10 Early Symptoms Of Dementia
Memory Loss
One of the most common early symptoms of dementia is a decline in memory, especially short-term memory (remembering things that have happened in the recent past). It is not uncommon for people with ordinary forgetfulness to be able to remember other facts that are related to the thing they have forgotten. For instance, they may briefly forget their next-door neighbor’s name, but they still know that the person they are talking to is their next-door neighbor even though they cannot remember the name. In addition to forgetting the name of their neighbor, someone living with dementia may also forget the context as well as the name. It is possible to retain memories of things that happened many years ago, even if they have been overshadowed by recent events.
Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
Alzheimer’s patients often find it difficult to complete everyday tasks that we usually do without thinking. Dementia patients may not be able to put on clothes or prepare meals in the proper order.
Problems With Language
The person with dementia may often forget or substitute simple words, making a speech or writing difficult to understand. Everyone has difficulty finding the right word from time to time, but a person with dementia can often forget simple words or substitute unusual words. It is also possible that they may find it difficult to follow a conversation and therefore become more withdrawn as a result.
Disorientation In Time And Place
Sometimes we forget the day of the week or where we are going, but people with dementia can get lost in familiar places such as the road they live on, forget where they are or how they got there, and don’t know how to get home. Someone who has dementia may also confuse night and day.
Poor Or Decreased Judgment
Cognitive decline can also lead to the loss of the ability to make good decisions as a result of cognitive decline. Having dementia may make it impossible for a person to recognize danger situations, for instance. A person may try to cross a busy street without waiting until it is safe to do so, or they may wear summer clothes when it is snowing outside, without waiting until it is safe to do so.
A further hallmark of dementia-related poor judgment is the inability to make good financial decisions with the help of good judgment. There is a possibility that a person who is usually careful with their money starts giving their money away to people or causes they do not even know.
Problems With Concentration, Planning, Or Organizing
Dementia can make it difficult for a person to make decisions, solve problems, or maintain certain financial responsibilities, such as paying their bills.
Misplacing Things
Any individual can temporarily misplace a wallet or key if he or she is not careful. There are cases where someone suffering from dementia will put things in unusual places in their house, such as a wristwatch in the sugar bowl or an iron in the refrigerator.
Changes In Mood Or Behavior
From time to time, everyone can experience feelings of sadness or moodiness. There is no obvious cause for sudden mood swings, irritability, or emotional changes when someone is suffering from dementia, but these symptoms can be caused by the disease. In other words, it is possible that they may behave less emotionally or socially than they were previously.
Trouble With Images Or Spatial Relationships
Unlike typical age-related problems, such as cataracts, image problems are different from those associated with advancing age. People with dementia can have difficulty in reading, judging distances, seeing objects in three dimensions, and in determining color or contrast.
Withdrawal From Work Or Social Activities
Everyone can get tired of housework, business activities, or social obligations from time to time. As a result of dementia, a person may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or no longer showing any interest in hobbies that they used to enjoy.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about a friend or relative, visit your doctor and discuss your concerns.