A Guide on the Early Warning Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a looming threat for many of us, with at least one in fourteen people over the age of 65 having it.
It comes with many risks, and it can affect the quality of human life. Understanding the early warning signs of dementia will allow you to help your loved ones. It will also help you navigate what to do in case you have it.
Read on for a look at the early warning signs of dementia and how you can tell if it affects someone you love.
Difficulty Completing Tasks
Taking longer to complete everyday tasks may be an early warning sign of dementia. This includes tasks such as cooking a meal or getting dressed.
The person may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. As the condition progresses, the person may find it hard to remember how to do familiar tasks.
Changes in Mood and Personality
Mood and personality changes are often early warning signs of dementia. You can notice this if a loved one is acting out of character or seeming more withdrawn and depressed. Dementia can be a gradual process, so it’s important to catch these changes early.
Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
As we age, it’s normal to misplace things from time to time and have trouble retracing our steps. However, this can be an early warning sign of dementia if it happens more frequently and severely.
If you or a loved one is experiencing this, it’s important to talk to a doctor. As a guide, here are questions to ask a medical professional.
New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
This may manifest as difficulty coming up with the right word, or using the wrong word altogether. For example, someone may forget the word for ‘table’ and instead call it a ‘chair’. This can be a sign that the person is struggling to maintain their mental faculties.
If you notice new problems with words in speaking or writing, it’s important to consult with a doctor. While there’s no cure for dementia, early dementia diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. If you’re living with dementia, there are many resources available to help you deal with the challenges of the condition.
Confusion with Time or Place
Confusion with time or place is an early warning sign of dementia. It is often one of the first signs to appear.
This may manifest as forgetting where you are or what day it is. It can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease.
Watch Out for the Early Warning Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a debilitating disease that can significantly reduce one’s quality of life. Early detection of dementia is crucial to receiving appropriate treatment and support.
This guide has provided information on the early warning signs of dementia. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to consult with a doctor.
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