If you’ve ever known someone living with dementia—especially a loved one—you understand how intense the experience can be for everyone involved. However, it is worth noting that some dementia symptoms are reversible, so awareness and early detection are key.
To get a better sense if you or a loved one may be exhibiting early signs of dementia, take note of the following
1. Memory Loss
Pronounced memory loss—particularly of newly acquired information, i.e., short term memory loss —is one of the primary tell-tale signs of dementia. This can include forgetting simple information (such as names and dates) and repeating the same questions. Most often, others will notice this sign instead of the senior experiencing dementia firsthand.
2. Misplacing Items
Like the sign above, misplacing and losing items is a common symptom of dementia. Moreover, in more advanced stages of dementia, the person suffering may accuse others of stealing or sabotage. We all forget where we have placed items now and then but if the occurrence of these situations has increased recently, especially if the person is older, then it can be a sign of early dementia.
3. Issues Performing Basic Tasks
Seniors who struggle to perform familiar tasks and errands—such as remembering to water plants or forgetting the directions to a family member’s house—may potentially exhibit dementia if this problem exists in tandem with others on this list.
4. An Inaccurate Sense of Time and Place
Losing track of time, as well as forgetting where you are and how you got there, may indicate dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.
5. Difficulty with Speech and Verbalization
New problems with communication skills—such as having a poorer grasp of vocabulary and not being able to adequately articulate your thoughts—are worth noting when trying to assess new cases of dementia.
6. Reduced Ability to Solve Problems
Tasks that require methodology and numbers—such as cooking your favorite recipe or balancing your checkbook—are more difficult to perform and will take longer than usual in people experiencing dementia.
7. Lack of Coordination and Spatial Awareness
When unrelated to declines in vision and eye health, issues with balance, driving, reading, and more may point to cognitive decline.
8. Poor Judgment
A noted decline in decision-making skills can indicate that something is wrong. Examples include when a senior forgets to bathe daily, becomes more reckless, or puts their physical health at risk.
9. Pronounced Psychological Changes
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Sometimes these personality changes can manifest in offensive language and the expression of opinions that are atypical to the persons normal demeanor.
10. Lack of Interest in Socializing and Participating in Activities
Canceling plans, not attending family or work functions, and disengaging from hobbies that once brought joy is an early sign of dementia that a senior’s loved ones and social/professional network may notice.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is exhibiting several of these signs of dementia in an ongoing capacity, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.