Early Signs of Dementia

Dementia is a severe drop in the mental competence of an individual. It cannot be described as a disease. It is a phrase that denotes a wide range of symptoms that includes memory loss and deterioration of thinking skills. These symptoms progress to affect a person’s everyday activities.

Serious damage in the brain cells results in dementia. When brain cells undergo severe damage, they lose the ability to communicate with each other. This disruption in communication affects the feelings and behavior of an individual, thus leading to dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. A stroke or an injury to the brain can also cause dementia. Thyroid imbalance and certain vitamin deficiencies can also in result in dementia. But the latter kind of dementia is reversible.

The cautionary signs 

The signs and symptoms of this disorder vary greatly in different individuals. The mental functions that are affected the most are:

•    Memory

•    Linguistic skills

•    Logical skills

•    Communication skills

•    Judgment

•    Ability to remain attentive

Listed below are few signs of dementia that appear at the onset of the disease. 

Insignificant memory loss

Slight loss of short-term memory is one of the most common signs of dementia. For example forgetting the previous meal or events planned for the day. This also includes recently learned information. The person affected by dementia would not have trouble remembering events from the past, those which occurred many years ago.

Forgetting important events like birthdays and anniversaries is also a common sign. Asking for a particular piece of information repeatedly is also a symptom.

Weak Judgment

Difficulty in making decisions is also a sign of the onset of dementia. For example; paying more than the required amount at the bill counters, a dilemma in choosing the right clothes for the day and so on. People with dementia also get confused with directions and familiar faces.

Problem with communicating

Difficulty in choosing the right word to express is also an early sign of dementia. Forgetting a commonly used word during a conversation is prevalent in people with dementia.

People with dementia take a long time to conclude their conversation. Repeating their conversation over and over again without realization is natural in these people.

Mood Swings

Frequent change in mood is an indication of dementia. A visible change in personality can be noted. People with dementia lose temper often. Sometimes they withdraw themselves and do not socialize much.

Depression is also a usual sign of dementia. Loss of enthusiasm and interest in regular hobbies can be noted. Aversion towards the activities that were enjoyable in the past is a typical sign of dementia.light difficulty in completing the regular everyday tasks is an early indication of dementia. Not just the normal task, but also following a new routine becomes a complication.

Struggles also arise with tasks such as solving problems, balancing check books, fixing puzzles, managing money and playing games with many rules.

What to do on observing these signs?

Some of the signs appear due to aging, which is perfectly normal. They do not necessarily indicate dementia. In people with dementia, the above-mentioned signs can be subtle in the beginning, but they are progressive. These signs and symptoms get worse with time.

If two or more of the above-mentioned signs are progressive over time, seeking medical advice is the right course of action. A medical practitioner can determine if these symptoms occur due to dementia or any other cognitive problems.