Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Although it frequently occurs in seniors, it’s not a normal part of the aging process.

Learning the earliest signs of dementia can help you or your loved one receive diagnosis and treatment at an early stage.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older suffer from dementia, and many more may earliest stages or no clinical diagnosis. So, recognizing the early warning signs is crucial.

Here are ten signs to watch out for:.

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Memory loss is one of the earliest and most common signs of dementia. People with dementia often forget important dates, appointments, or events, and sometimes ask the same question repeatedly.

They may also misplace things and put them in odd places, such as putting a wallet in the fridge or keys in the cupboard.

People with dementia may also forget specific words or phrases, making it challenging for them to communicate effectively.

They might repeat stories or questions, have trouble following directions, or may appear increasingly isolated due to trouble remembering important faces and names.

2. Difficulty Planning and Problem-Solving

Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to make plans or make decisions. Individuals with dementia may have trouble paying bills or solving simple math problems.

They may struggle to follow complicated recipes, or sticking to a familiar routine, even for simple things such as getting dressed or brushing their teeth.

They may also find it difficult to concentrate on a particular task, which can affect their overall productivity and cause frustration.

3. Difficulty in Performing Familiar Tasks

Individuals with early-stage dementia may notice that they struggle to perform routine, familiar tasks, such as operating a TV remote, taking medication, or using the telephone.

They may find it challenging to follow a recipe for a dish they’ve prepared many times before, or they may make simple mistakes like leaving the stove on, which can be dangerous.

4. Confusion About Time and Place

People with dementia may lose track of dates and seasons, wondering what day of the week it is or what time it is. They may have difficulty distinguishing between day and night, leading to restless sleep patterns.

This confusion can lead to wandering or getting lost in familiar places, even in their own neighborhood.

5. Trouble with Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

Dementia can impact an individual’s visual and spatial abilities. They may have difficulty reading, judging distances, or determining colors, or may have trouble recognizing their own reflection in the mirror.

These visual perception issues can also affect their ability to navigate familiar areas or use common objects like keys or utensils.

6. Mood and Personality Changes

Changes in mood or personality can sometimes be the first sign of dementia. A person with dementia may become confused, suspicious, and agitated for no apparent reason.

They may also become withdrawn from social situations or lose interest in activities, hobbies, and places they previously enjoyed.

Changes in personality can affect their overall mood, causing anxiety, frustration, or depression that can significantly impact their quality of life.

7. Difficulty with Communication and Language

Individuals with dementia may have difficulty following a conversation or joining in group discussions. They may have trouble finding the right words or expressing themselves, leading to awkward silences or misunderstandings.

They may also have trouble understanding and following written instructions or written communication.

8. Misplacing Things and Retracing Steps

A common early sign of dementia is misplacing things and retracing their steps. They may often put things in odd places, such as finding the car keys in the freezer.

They may also become increasingly paranoid about people taking their belongings or stealing from them, even when there’s no evidence of such actions.

9. Poor Judgment and Decision Making

People with dementia may make poor decisions, especially with money. They may give away large sums of money to telemarketers or fall for scams. They may also begin to neglect personal hygiene or stop taking medications, leading to physical issues.

Individuals with dementia may isolate themselves from social activities and hobbies, becoming increasingly introverted.

They may avoid social situations due to communication or memory issues, leading to a lack of interest or motivation to participate in activities. This lack of engagement can negatively impact their overall quality of life.

Conclusion

It’s essential to recognize the earliest signs of dementia to receive a timely diagnosis and improve the overall quality of life of the person with dementia and their families.

Early intervention and treatment can help slow the disease and delay the onset of more severe symptoms.

If any of these early signs of dementia are familiar, consult a physician or healthcare provider for an evaluation. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but there are resources available to help you manage the condition.