Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s cognitive functioning, reasoning abilities, and memory.

The disease affects millions of individuals worldwide, and it is estimated that by 2050, the number of people living with dementia will reach 131.5 million. Dementia can be overwhelming for both the individual experiencing the disease and their loved ones.

Understanding the early warning signs and seeking medical attention at the earliest may slow the progression of the disease and improve the individual’s quality of life.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a term that describes a group of symptoms caused by brain damage. These symptoms can affect a person’s ability to think, remember, communicate, and perform daily activities.

The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. While age is a risk factor, dementia is not a natural part of aging. Instead, it is caused by physical changes and damage to the brain cells.

Early Warning Signs of Dementia

It is essential to recognize the early warning signs of dementia as early diagnosis and treatment may slow down the progression. Here are ten early signs that may indicate the onset of dementia:.

: 1. Memory loss

One of the most common signs of dementia is memory loss, especially forgetting critical information recently learned. People with dementia may forget dates, names, appointments, and events. They may also repeat questions or stories in short intervals.

: 2. Difficulty with familiar tasks

A person with dementia may have difficulties completing familiar tasks like cooking a meal, dressing, or using a tool. These challenges increase with time, and the person may need support with daily activities.

: 3. Difficulty with language

People with dementia may struggle with communicating their thoughts and may have difficulties understanding others. They may also forget simple words or use wrong words in a sentence.

: 4. Poor judgment

Individuals with dementia may have poor decision-making skills, resulting in making unwise decisions, such as spending an excessive amount of money or forget to pay bills.

: 5. Changes in mood and behavior

People with dementia may show sudden mood swings, including depression, confusion, fear, and paranoia. They may also become more withdrawn and inactive than before.

: 6. Disorientation

Individuals with dementia may become disoriented, especially in new or unfamiliar environments. They may also have difficulties understanding directions and managing time.

: 7. Misplacing things

A person with dementia may misplace things, including personal belongings, such as a phone, wallet, or keys. They may also put things in strange places.

: 8. Difficulty with abstract thinking

People with dementia may struggle with abstract thinking and may have difficulties with numbers and making calculations.

: 9. Loss of initiative

A person with dementia may lose interest and initiative to participate in activities they used to enjoy, and they may prefer to stay at home.

: 10. Changes in visual perception

Individuals with dementia may have difficulties reading or interpreting visual information, such as shapes and colors. They may also mistake close objects for things that are far away.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If you or a loved one experiences any of these early warning signs of dementia, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can conduct further tests, such as cognitive tests or brain imaging, to determine the cause of your symptoms. Early diagnosis can help slow down the progression of dementia and enable you to plan and prepare for the future.

How to Reduce the Risk of Developing Dementia?

While there is no proven way to prevent dementia, lifestyle changes and managing health issues can reduce the risk of developing dementia:.

: 1. Stay physically active

Physical activities such as walking, cycling, or dancing may help reduce the risk of developing dementia. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

: 2. Maintain a healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet that includes leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can benefit brain health.

: 3. Keep the brain active

Keeping the brain active through mental exercises, such as reading, solving puzzles, or playing games, can help maintain cognitive abilities.

: 4. Manage health issues

Managing health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can lower the risk of developing dementia.

: 5. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep helps promote brain function and overall health.

The Bottom Line

While dementia can be a challenging journey, recognizing the early warning signs and seeking medical attention can slow the progression of the disease.

It is essential to follow healthy lifestyle choices and manage health problems to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Finally, early diagnosis and treatment can enable you to maintain quality of life and plan for the future.