Dementia is a condition that does not start recently but rather it affects many people. However, some others only get to know about it when it becomes part of their lives.
Maybe it could be your close relative who all of a sudden one day you discover that he or she became forgetful or developed some changes in behavior.
It is important to note that dementia can be identified at an early stage. This can go a long way in the management of the condition and overall quality of life. In this article, we will focus more on the ten early warning signs of dementia so that you may become more aware.
Key Takeaways
Recognizing early dementia signs like memory loss and disorientation allows for timely medical intervention.
Dementia symptoms can differ between men and women, affecting judgment and mood respectively.
Monitoring unusual behavior, such as misplacing items, can help manage dementia’s impact.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough that affects your everyday living. It targets memory, thinking, and social abilities. Unlike normal aging, dementia involves significant impairment.
10 Obvious Signs of Dementia
Numerous factors contribute to dementia which is a syndrome resulting from degenerative brain diseases. Here are 10 early signs to look out for:
1. The amnesia affects the normal daily functioning of an individual.
For instance, it’s common for one to forget names or even appointments once in a while but not routinely. For example, if your close relative loses things repeatedly or cannot recall events that happened recently, then this could be an indicator
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
It’s often the first sign of an inability to perform certain activities of daily living such as cooking a meal or even using an appliance. This decrease in the person’s ability to do basic things is one of the earliest symptoms of dementia
3. Problems with language
The symptoms of dementia can also be seen through speech that is slow or saying the wrong words.
When your friend or family member begins to ask questions like ‘is mispronouncing words a clear indication that one has dementia?’ you must begin to worry about them.
4. Not knowing where one is or even what time it is
Forgetting dates, and seasons or even having a hard time remembering recent events is another sign. Patients with dementia may also have the inability to recall their current location or how they got there.
5. Poor or decreased judgment
It is also very normal to make wrong choices in life, for example with money or even in terms of security. For instance, when one is giving a large sum of money to telemarketers, it is a sign of something.
6. Changes in mood and behavior
Uncharacteristic mood swings, depression, or personality changes are notable. Early signs of dementia in women often include anxiety and withdrawal from social activities.
7. Withdrawal from work or social activities
People with dementia might start avoiding social interactions or hobbies they once loved, partly due to the embarrassment of memory lapses.
8. Misplacing things
Some of the common symptoms include; often hiding things in odd places for instance putting a wallet in the fridge and not being able to recall where they could have put the things.
9. Decreased or poor judgment
Some of the behavioral changes that are associated with dementia include failure to groom oneself or making peculiar decisions on what to wear. This can also include disregarding the advice of the doctor or failing to consider a serious health condition.
10. Alterations of visual and spatial perception.
Some of the symptoms include difficulty in reading and perceiving distance or colors that may occur at the initial stage. This is more than just the ordinary vision problem that people experience as they grow older.
Importance of Early Detection
The identification of dementia in its initial stages is crucial. It also offers prevention where possible, which may help to reduce the rate of deterioration and enhance the quality of life.
The onset of dementia symptoms should be reported to a physician and is easily controllable. As for the treatment and palliative care is more developed now, getting to know these signs can help a lot.
However, the lack of knowledge about these signs may be a concern as well. Why? For instance, while the normal age for one to develop Dementia is Okay, one can also get it at the age of 25 years.
In China, a 19-year-old man has been confirmed to have a particular symptom of dementia known as Alzheimer’s disease, thus becoming the youngest patient ever to be diagnosed. The symptoms of the individual were first detected at a very young age of 17 years.
Therefore early diagnosis is beneficial as it enables the patient to receive medical treatment in good time and this may help in reducing the rate of the disease and also enhance the quality of life of the affected individual.
This was the situation of this young man; through early diagnosis, the healthcare providers were able to commence appropriate care and support for him according to his situation.
More so, such examples should foster public and scientific awareness and research regarding early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Identifying the factors that led to the onset of the condition in early childhood can help in the design of prevention strategies, as well as the refinement of diagnostic techniques.
Identifying Dementia in Various Communities
However, these are general signs and it is imperative to understand that the symptoms may vary with gender as well as species.
1. Early Signs of Dementia in Women: The early-stage women reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms than men.
2. Early Signs of Dementia in Men: It has been suggested that men may experience more significant shifts in their thinking and decision-making capabilities.
3. Signs of Dementia in Cats and Other Animals: People who own pets need to know that pets are also capable of developing dementia. Symptoms of the flu include disorientation, changes in sleep, and altered social interaction with your pets.
Addressing Common Questions
When it comes to identifying dementia, there are several questions that people tend to have in mind. Below are some of the questions that are usually asked about Dementia.
1. I have read and seen people with mouth agape and wanted to know if this is a symptom of dementia. Although this is not one of the commonly cited signs, such physical changes should be taken to a doctor.
2. Is it normal to keep on saying the same words again and again is it a sign of dementia? Yes, repetitive speech or actions are one of the early signs which could be seen in the patient.
3. Can a patient with dementia fall out of bed and is it an indication of advanced dementia? It can be precipitated by frequent falls or lack of balance.
4. Forgetting is a part of everyone’s life, but is forgetting a sign of dementia? It can be a symptom when people tend to forget things frequently in their day-to-day life.
Final Thoughts
Dementia can be a difficult disease to understand and manage.
If the condition is identified at an early stage and treated appropriately, it can help to reduce the impact of the symptoms. With this information in mind, here are ten early signs of dementia to help you seek medical attention in time. This can range from early symptoms of dementia in men, early signs of dementia in women, or even signs of dementia in animals, and knowledge is power.
For more information on how you can help, and more related information, please visit DeterDementia.com
