Early Signs of Dementia: How to Spot Early Symptoms

 

Introduction

Dementia is a chronic disease that causes memory loss and other problems with thinking, problem-solving or language. It’s not a normal part of aging. Dementia includes Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Symptoms can include forgetting recently learned facts and skills, such as what you did last week or where you parked your car. Other early dementia signs include:

Memory loss

Memory loss is one of the most common early symptoms of dementia. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in memory, language and thinking skills that affects daily life. Memory loss can be caused by other health problems, including depression and anxiety.

Memory loss may be persistent or sudden. If you suspect someone may have memory loss related to dementia:

·         Ask them how they feel or what they've been doing recently—even if it seems obvious (such as asking them where they are). This shows you're attentive and interested in their well-being.

·         Listen carefully for any unusual responses; this could indicate confusion about time and place or difficulty processing information correctly (such as misinterpreting words).

Difficulty performing familiar tasks

Difficulty performing familiar tasks

You may notice that your loved ones are having trouble with everyday tasks that they used to perform easily. This can be especially concerning for someone who is normally highly independent, as it implies that their mental faculties are declining and they are unable to perform even simple tasks on their own. It's important to note that these symptoms may be related to another condition or illness, so always consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your loved one's well-being.

Confusion with time and place

The person may experience confusion with time and place. They may not remember what day it is or where they are, such as their home address.

They may forget when a specific event occurred, such as a birthday party or holiday celebration.

They may also get lost while on familiar routes, such as driving home from work or going to the grocery store.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

If you are having difficulty with understanding visual images and spatial relationships, you may have trouble with the following:

·         Reading maps, finding your way around a new place, or judging distance and height.

·         Judging speed of moving objects.

Challenges with words in speaking or writing

Dementia is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes memory loss and other cognitive impairments. As you may have guessed, speech and writing problems are common symptoms of dementia.

Some people with early-stage dementia begin speaking more slowly than they used to, which can make it difficult for others to understand them. Others find it hard to find the right words or use incorrect ones in conversation. They might also use the same word over and over again (“This is my car, this is my car, this is my car…”). People may also start using simpler words when more complicated ones are needed (“father” instead of “dad”).

Misplacing things

If a person with dementia misplaces something, they may not be able to find it or place it back where they had it. They may not realize that they have lost something even if another person tells them (or reminds them). If a person with dementia has trouble finding things, this could be due to the following:

·         They forgot where they put it or left it

·         The item is in the wrong place for them (e.g., their keys are on the coffee table instead of by their hand)

·         They cannot remember how to use an object because its function is no longer familiar (e.g., using a cell phone that hasn't been used in years)

·         They don’t know what words are used for certain objects (e.g., “key” vs “door key”)

Early symptoms might be ignored, but they are important.

Early signs of dementia are easy to ignore, but they are an important part of the disease.

·         Early treatment: Research has shown that people who receive treatment early in the course of their illness have better outcomes than those who wait until there is a crisis.

·         Early planning: If someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, it's important to plan for the future and create legal documents such as a power of attorney and advance directive. This can help ensure that your loved one retains control over his or her life for as long as possible.

·         Early support: Support groups provide valuable information about what others have experienced with dementia, how they cope and how they're dealing with their own symptoms. Family caregivers should attend these groups regularly; research shows that having social support dramatically improves quality of life for everyone involved in caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of memory loss.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these early signs of dementia, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of the disease, so it’s crucial to see your doctor immediately if you notice something unusual in your memory or behavior.