Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, and daily activities. It is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, especially those above 65 years of age.
However, dementia can also occur in younger individuals, and recognizing early symptoms is crucial for early intervention and better management of the condition. Here are ten early signs of dementia:.
Memory loss
Memory loss is one of the earliest signs of dementia. It may manifest as difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, forgetting appointments, or misplacing objects.
People with dementia may repeatedly ask the same questions and rely on memory aids such as notes or reminders.
Difficulty with language and communication
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. They may struggle to find the right words or express their thoughts coherently, leading to repetitive conversations, jumbled sentences, or difficulty following a conversation.
Difficulty with daily activities
People with dementia may have difficulty with everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, or grooming.
They may need assistance with tasks they could previously accomplish independently, forget how to perform familiar tasks, or become lost on familiar routes.
Changes in mood and behavior
Dementia can cause changes in a person’s mood and behavior. They may become irritable, anxious, depressed, or suspicious, or exhibit aggression or agitation.
They may also become less interested in social activities or withdraw from friends and family.
Related Article
Dementia: Understanding Symptoms
Loss of sense of direction
People with dementia may lose their sense of direction or get disoriented in familiar surroundings. They may not recognize familiar landmarks, forget how to get to a common destination, or have difficulty following a map or written directions.
Poor judgment and decision-making
Dementia can impair a person’s judgment and decision-making abilities. They may make poor choices or act impulsively, such as giving away large sums of money, falling for scams, or neglecting personal hygiene or safety.
Misplacing objects
People with dementia may misplace objects frequently such as wallets, keys, or eyeglasses. They may also forget where they put things or accuse others of stealing their belongings, causing frustration and tension in their relationships.
Difficulty with numbers and finances
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to perform simple arithmetic or handle finances. They may struggle to count change, balance a checkbook, or pay bills on time, leading to financial problems or unpaid bills.
Difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving
Dementia can impair a person’s ability to reason logically or solve problems effectively. They may struggle to plan or organize simple tasks, make sound decisions, or multi-task, leading to frustration and anxiety.
Changes in personality and interests
Dementia can cause changes in a person’s personality and interests. They may become uncharacteristically apathetic, impulsive, or aggressive, or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities such as hobbies or social events.
Conclusion
Dementia is a progressive condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and well-being. Early recognition of symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis and management of the condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above signs of dementia, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
