Dementia is a comprehensive term used to describe a condition that can impede a person’s ability to remember, process information and speak. Any decline in cognitive function can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Though it is commonly associated with ageing, dementia is not a normal part of growing older. Thus, identifying the early warning signs of dementia can lead to prompt diagnosis and intervention, which may slow its progression and better quality of life. Here are the key early warning signs to watch out for.

Generally, the symptoms of dementia can vary due to the underlying cause, some key symptoms serve as an early indicator of this neurological condition.

Early Indicators Of Dementia

Poor memory alone does not suggest that you have dementia. The symptoms should remarkably impede with your daily routine for a physician to diagnose dementia.

Dementia can cause damages that affect:

  • Memory power
  • Reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • Language skills
  • Communication
  • Attention and focus

Depending on the cause, if a healthcare provider can diagnose dementia early and offer prompt treatment it may help slow cognitive decline and function.

Also Read: Short-term Memory Loss: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Short-Term Memory Changes

Developing issues with memory can be an early symptom of dementia. However, these changes are mostly subtle and tend to involve short-term memory. For instance, a person suffering from this condition may be able to remember incidents that happened years ago but not what they had for breakfast.

Some of the other changes in their short-term memory, such as:

Forgetting where they placed certain thinks

Difficult to remember why they entered a room

Not knowing what they should be supposed to do on a regular day

Finding it hard to finish a task they started

Choosing The Right Words

An early symptom of dementia is difficulty communicating your ideas and thoughts. A person with this condition may find it difficult to explain something or find the correct words to express themselves. They may also stop in the middle of a sentence and not know how to proceed.

Thus, having a conversation with a person who has dementia may be challenging and it may take longer than normal for them to express their feelings.

Apathy

Apathy is a common sign of early dementia. A person with this condition may lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to like. They may not want to go out to have fun and lose interest in spending quality time with family and friends.

Difficulty Accomplishing Tasks

A subtle change in the ability to accomplish daily tasks is another early indicator of dementia. It generally begins with finding it hard to do more complex tasks such as

  • Maintaining finances
  • Rightly following a recipe
  • Engaging in a game that has a lot of rules
  • Hard to learn new things or follow instructions

 Confusion with Time or Place

Another warning sign is confusion about dates, seasons, or the passage of time. People with dementia may forget where they are or how they got there, and they might lose track of important dates or events. They may also struggle to understand something if it isn’t happening immediately.

A Declining Sense Of Direction

A person’s perception of direction and spatial alignment can begin to aggravate with the onset of dementia. They may find it hard to recognize common landmarks and forget how to get to once-familiar places.

Also Read: Brain Health: Top 5 Nuts To Enhance Cognitive Functioning – Infographic

Repetition

The person may replicate routine tasks like showering or combining or may store things obsessively. Further, they may repeat the same questions in a conversation or tell the same story more than once.

Difficulty Adjusting To Change

For those in the early stages of dementia, suddenly they may not remember people they know or follow what others are saying. They can’t even think why they went to the store and may get lost on the way home.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

If you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of these warning signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can provide better management of symptoms, access to treatments that may slow the progression, and the opportunity to plan for the future.

Dementia can be a frightening prospect, but recognizing the signs early can lead to proactive steps that make a significant difference in the quality of life for those affected. Stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Dementia

Silvia Duong, PharmD, Tejal Patel, BScPhm, PharmD, and Feng Chang, BScPhm, PharmD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384525/

Diagnosis and Management of Dementia: A Review

Zoe Arvanitakis, MD, MS,1,2 Raj C. Shah, MD,1,3 and David A. Bennett, MD1,2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7462122/