The Early Warning Signs of Dementia and How to Identify Them

Have you noticed a significant change in a senior relative or friend lately? Are they forgetting things or merely acting differently than their usual self? Perhaps they’re a little more aggressive or docile than usual. There’s a chance that they’re developing Dementia. Dementia is largely caused by the loss of nerve cells and the connections in the brain. Depending on the brain’s damaged area, the disease can affect people differently and cause different symptoms.

However, there are common early warning signs to look for if you’re concerned your loved one might have Dementia.

Memory Problems

Noticing issues with memory is probably Dementia’s most significant red flag, especially when it comes to remembering recent events. Have you been in the car with your friend or family member, and suddenly they forget where they’re driving? They might ask you where you’re headed or drive around in circles out of confusion. They might also miss important dates such as birthdays or critical appointments, and they may forget the names of people close to them, such as grandchildren, friends, and even you.

Confusion and Trouble Concentrating

Is there a game that you’ve played a thousand times with your loved one, such as Scrabble or Monopoly? If your friend or relative suddenly finds it difficult to play and understand the game’s basic rules, it might be time to see your family doctor. Exhibiting confusion and an inability to concentrate are both early warning signs of Dementia.

Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

It’s common to misplace your keys once in a while or forget to put the brown sugar in the pumpkin pie. But it’s another thing to forget how to do such tasks repeatedly. A person living with Dementia will have trouble performing daily tasks that are typically second-nature to them. Keep your eye out for mishaps that occur over and over again.

Behavioral Changes

Sometimes peoples’ personalities and behaviors change with Dementia. Behavioral and personality changes are both symptoms that often occur in the later stages of Dementia, but they can also happen earlier in the disease.

For example, if your husband or wife has been acting withdrawn lately, your instincts might lead you to believe there are undisclosed emotional issues within the marriage. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. If they’re also showing memory loss or confusion, it might be Dementia. They might not understand what’s happening to them and not know how to explain their feelings about it verbally, which is why they’re unusually withdrawn or quiet.

There is Hope

Sadly, Dementia isn’t the type of illness that goes away. Once there’s a diagnosis, it will progress over time, and your loved one will begin to experience additional, more severe symptoms. However, having Dementia doesn’t mean people can’t live a fulfilling life. With the right Dementia Care services your loved one can live peacefully and happily. Many seniors choose to age in place and receive healthcare services right in the comfort and safety of home. People with Dementia benefit from home healthcare greatly because it offers a place of familiarity.

If you suspect something is different in your loved one’s personality, check for early Dementia warning signs. The sooner you diagnose the disease, the sooner your friend or relative can start treatment and live a happy, joyful life.