Dementia is a complex disease marked by a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, and social skills. These changes can significantly impact a person’s daily life, making early recognition crucial for better treatment outcomes. Although symptoms vary by individual and type of dementia, several early warning signs are common across many types of dementia. Here’s what to look out for if you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one.
1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life
Short-term memory issues are often the first sign of dementia. Forgetting dates, repeatedly asking the same questions, or relying heavily on reminder notes are indicators to watch. While everyone occasionally forgets things, persistent memory loss that affects daily routines is a red flag (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
2. Challenges with Planning or Problem-Solving
People with early dementia may find it difficult to plan tasks or work through problems. For example, managing finances, following a recipe, or paying bills may become challenging. This change, often tied to executive functioning, can make once-simple tasks feel overwhelming and may lead to errors (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
3. Confusion about Time and Place
People experiencing dementia may lose track of dates, seasons, or even where they are. They might feel disoriented in unfamiliar places or struggle to understand events as they unfold (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
4. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Routine tasks, such as driving to familiar locations, preparing a favorite meal, or remembering the rules of a game, may become difficult for someone with dementia. This is distinct from occasional forgetfulness; it’s a noticeable inability to complete tasks that were once second nature, reflecting a decline in cognitive ability (Alzheimer’s Research UK, 2022). Remember to always compare cognitive functioning to the person’s previous baseline. This is why creating a comprehensive plan of care is crucial, as it allows us to realize when something has changed.
5. Changes in Mood and Personality
Mood and personality changes can also signal dementia, as the brain undergoes changes that affect emotional regulation. People may become anxious, fearful, easily upset, or depressed, and may show signs of apathy, especially regarding hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. They may also become suspicious of others, a response sometimes triggered by feelings of confusion and frustration (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
6. Trouble Understanding Visual or Spatial Relationships
Dementia can affect spatial perception and depth awareness, making it hard to judge distances, navigate spaces, or recognize familiar objects. This issue is especially prevalent for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (one of the many forms of dementia), where visual processing in the brain is compromised. Misjudging distance while driving, for instance, can be an early indicator (World Health Organization, 2021).
7. Difficulty with Words and Conversations
Language challenges, such as struggling to find the right words, repeating phrases, or having difficulty following conversations, are also common in the earlier stages of dementia (Diamond and Emerald stages following the GEMs methodology). This can result in more frequent pauses, misunderstandings, or noticeable frustration when trying to communicate, which may lead to social withdrawal over time (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
If you or someone you know displays these symptoms, consider speaking with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can help rule out other potential causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects, and enable planning for appropriate support and treatment options.
If there is a diagnosis of dementia, start your care team earlier. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to build a stable care team to support your loved one in the comfort of their home.
Let us tell you more about our approach to caring for those living with dementia: 610-323-9800.
References
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013.
- National Institute on Aging. (2021). What is Dementia?. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia.
- World Health Organization. (2021). Dementia Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Research UK. (2022). Dementia Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-dementia/types-symptoms/symptoms/.