7 Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a cognitive disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be caused by both genetic factors, or by events such as head trauma or exposure to toxins. Factors that increase the risk of dementia include advanced age, alcoholism, smoking, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency and malnutrition. Patients most commonly develop dementia after age 65
Below are seven common early signs of dementia:
1. Memory loss
This is the most notable sign of dementia. Memory loss can be very frustrating for patients and their families because it often goes unnoticed in the early stages. A person may forget where they put their keys or when they are scheduled to meet someone. These small examples of forgetfulness can progress to forgetting important information or even losing recollection of who friends and family are.
2. Problem solving difficulties
People who are struggling with dementia often have difficulty solving problems. For example, if you give them a task to accomplish, such as filling out forms or searching for a misplaced item, they can have difficulty completing these things. Eventually, it is common for a person with dementia to lose the ability to solve even simple problems
3. Confusion about time and place
People who have dementia may have a difficult time recalling the location or date of an event. They may ask questions about something that occurred just moments ago, or not know where an item is that they just saw. They may also struggle with telling time and holding onto their belongings
4. Challenges understanding visual information
People with dementia often have a difficult time understanding visual information such as photos. It may become hard for them to recognize people or remember which items belong to them. If you notice your loved one struggling with this symptom, it could be helpful to consult a doctor
5. Speech issues
As dementia progresses, it may cause people to have difficulty speaking. Individuals may struggle to follow along with a conversation. They may even have difficulty speaking in complete sentences or finding the words to express themselves. You might begin to notice your loved one using incorrect grammar because they can’t remember which word is appropriate for their intended meaning
6. Misplacing personal items
If your loved one is struggling with dementia, they may lose track of their belongings. They may put things away in odd places, like the fridge or oven, and not be able to retrieve them later on. This can cause frustration for your loved ones, as finding items may be nearly impossible. If you notice a loved one struggling with this, it is important to talk with them and try to help them keep track of their belongings
7. Poor judgement
A person’s judgment is often affected by dementia. If you notice that your loved one is doing things that don’t make sense, like eating lunch multiple times or deviating from their normal routines, they may be struggling with poor judgement. This can also cause issues for the individual because they can’t judge whether certain situations are dangerous. Another indicator of dementia is when people become less concerned about their appearance and self-care
Dementia can be a very frustrating illness for sufferers and their families. To help manage dementia symptoms, Prevagen brain supplements can be helpful. These natural supplements are formulated without harmful chemicals or drugs. If you notice any dementia signs in yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor about setting up an appointment to talk about treatment.