These Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia

There are approximately 50 million people worldwide living with dementia. This number is expected to triple by 2050. Because dementia affects so many people, it’s crucial that you learn the early warning signs of dementia.

The sooner you get your loved one diagnosed, the sooner you can seek specialized care. This will help them to live a happier and more peaceful life. 

This guide will show you some important signs to look out for. 

What Is Dementia?

The term dementia is a word that describes the deterioration of mental processes. It negatively affects a person’s memory, cognitive thinking, behavior, and ability to do daily tasks. It’s not a normal part of aging, although it affects older people primarily. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Look for these dementia symptoms in your elderly loved ones. With vigilant care, you can catch and diagnose them early. 

Memory Loss 

It’s one thing to forget things occasionally. If you’re stressed or very busy, then you may find yourself to be forgetful. This is not dementia. 

Those suffering from dementia struggle to recall newly acquired information. They’ll rely on friends and family to keep track of this information. 

Poor Decision Making 

Those with dementia struggle with decisions about what is fair or reasonable. This results in them paying significantly too much for products or services. They may also buy items that they have no use for. 

You may also see this manifest in their personal grooming habits. Those with dementia tend to pay less attention to how clean or presentable they are. 

Regular Confusion 

Someone with dementia will regularly forget where they are. This can combine with struggling to judge the passage of time. You’ll find them struggling to understand future and past events. 

When speaking, you may find them speaking about long-ago events as if they are current. Or they may become confused about the current time and date. 

Unable to Follow a Plan 

Someone with dementia may struggle to follow a recipe or driving directions. They will become confused or lose track of the current step they are performing. 

This confusion can happen during the simplest of tasks or plans. Perhaps they struggle to operate their computer, adjust the television settings, drive to a familiar location, or make a cup of coffee. 

Care and Treatment 

If someone you care about shows these signs, it may be time to seek additional care. Currently, there’s no treatment or cure for this progressive disease. Early diagnosis is critical for managing the condition and promoting a healthy lifestyle. 

There are organizations like this company that can provide a supportive and safe place to live. Your loved one will enjoy independent living with the option of more assisted living care. They can also enjoy additional memory care that’s geared towards those who live with dementia. 

Watch for the Early Warning Signs of Dementia

If you’re noticing these early warning signs of dementia, then it’s time to seek assistance. Your loved one may not realize they are displaying these signs or are struggling with dementia. With the right care in place, they can live a happy and fulfilling life while managing the effects of dementia. 

Browse through our other health and fitness articles for more helpful advice for those young and old.