Dementia is not actually a disease. It is a collective term for changes in the brain that cause a loss of function, disrupting daily life.
It can impair focus, attention, language skills, problem-solving, and visual understanding.
Dementia can also make it difficult for a person to control their emotions and may even lead to personality changes.
Consult a Doctor
If someone shows signs of dementia, it is crucial to see a doctor who can perform tests and provide a diagnosis.
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Many conditions—often treatable ones, ranging from infections to vitamin deficiencies—can cause dementia-like symptoms, so it’s essential to rule them out first.
If it is dementia, you’ll want to plan for how to manage care, especially as the condition progresses.
The 10 Signs of Dementia
Here are 10 of the symptoms from AARP to watch out for. Remember, just because you or someone you know might have some of the symptoms, it isn’t necessarily dementia. Go to a doctor if you’re in doubt.
Difficulty with Everyday Tasks
Everyone makes mistakes, but people with dementia may struggle more with things like keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe while cooking, says the Alzheimer’s Association. They may also find it hard to concentrate on tasks, take much longer to complete them, or have trouble finishing them altogether.
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Repetition
Asking the same question repeatedly or recounting the same story about a recent event multiple times is a common indicator of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Communication Problems
Pay attention if a loved one has trouble participating in conversations, loses track of them, abruptly stops mid-thought, or struggles to think of words or the names of objects.
Getting Lost
People with dementia may have difficulty with vision and spatial awareness. This can manifest as trouble navigating or getting lost while driving, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Personality Changes
If a loved one begins behaving unusually anxious, confused, fearful, or suspicious, or if they get upset easily and appear depressed, it’s a cause for concern.
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Confusion About Time and Place
Forgetting where they are or not remembering how they got there is a red flag. Another concerning sign is disorientation about time—such as routinely forgetting what day of the week it is.
Misplacing Things
Someone with dementia may put things in unusual places and have difficulty retracing their steps to find misplaced items, notes the Alzheimer’s Association.
Troubling Behavior
If your family member shows poor judgment when handling money or neglects personal hygiene and cleanliness, take note.
Loss of Interest
It’s normal not to feel very social from time to time, but a sudden and routine loss of interest in family, friends, work, and social events is a warning sign of dementia.
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Forgetting Old Memories
Persistent memory loss, especially when it worsens over time, is often one of the first signs of dementia.
This article is based on information from Pensionist and AARP.