Dementia can be a terrifying disorder to see develop in yourself or a loved one, because of how severe it can become. Hence, most experts recommend being vigilant toward the early signs of dementia once a loved one reaches the age of 65. This demographic is at the highest risk of suffering from dementia and is usually when most patients start to exhibit signs of early-onset dementia. While the early symptoms can vary a great deal, the following are a couple of the most common dementia signs you should be wary of:
Day-to-Day Memory Loss
Most of us are likely to associate dementia with memory loss the strongest, making this a defining symptom of dementia among all the other symptoms it comes with. While it’s normal to occasionally forget a phone number, a birthday, or an appointment, those without memory disorders usually remember them afterward. On the other hand, dementia is not just a simple case of forgetfulness. People experiencing dementia may forget details more often and not remember them at all, forgetting such details permanently.
Difficulty in Performing Previously Familiar Tasks
Dementia can cause patients to start facing challenges with tasks that were previously familiar to them, whether it’s cooking or getting dressed. This can lead to them requiring help when previously unneeded, making this a more obvious sign of early-onset dementia. Furthermore, dementia can eventually impact muscle memory as well, making such familiar tasks even more difficult to execute.
Confusion About Time and Place
While it’s perfectly normal for your loved one to forget details such as the day of the week or which floor they’re on for a moment, it can be cause for concern if they start experiencing confusion about time and place more often. For example, if your loved one begins to find difficulty in finding their way to a familiar place, such as the route back home from their usual grocery store.
Language Issues
Dementia can also lead to problems with language beyond just having trouble finding the right words from time to time, with many having a language disorder known as aphasia. Adults with dementia tend to forget simple words, as well as mix words up such as substituting the word “table” for “bed”. This can also affect names, including the names of people that they’re familiar with such as friends and family.
Impaired Judgement and Awareness
Dementia is also known for its impact on patients’ reasoning and judgment, which can lead to them making questionable and even dangerous decisions. For example, when driving, someone with dementia with less spacial awareness can misjudge distance and direction, which can lead to road hazards.
Behavioral Changes
If your loved one starts to show observable changes in their behavior beyond plain moodiness, it can also be a warning sign of dementia. Those with dementia tend to become more irritable and act drastically differently from their usual selves. For example, your loved one might engage in uncharacteristic mood swings for no apparent reason, becoming unreasonably suspicious or withdrawn.
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