Recognizing Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

Dementia is characterized by the loss of memory, language, and other cognitive abilities, and these changes can interfere with daily life. While dementia is not a specific disease, several diseases may cause it. Early recognition of its signs enables timely medical evaluation and planning. Here is more information about the early signs of dementia:

Forgetfulness That Persists

While occasional memory lapses are normal, dementia-related forgetfulness is different. A person with dementia may forget information that they have recently learned, and they might also forget significant dates or events. It is a persistent pattern that disrupts daily routines. This type of memory loss goes beyond misplacing keys. It affects a person’s ability to recall information they once knew well.

This forgetfulness is not a momentary slip. Someone might ask for the same information repeatedly, and they may rely heavily on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle independently. The memory loss is persistent, so it does not improve with reminders. This pattern of forgetfulness often becomes more pronounced over time.

Difficulty Understanding Language

Communication becomes a challenge for individuals showing early signs of dementia. They may struggle to follow or join a conversation. Sometimes they stop mid-sentence with no idea how to continue. Finding the right words is another common difficulty. They may substitute words or use placeholders, which makes their speech hard to understand. For instance, they might call a “watch” a “hand-clock.” This is different from having trouble finding a word on occasion.

Inability To Complete Complex Tasks

Completing familiar, multi-step tasks may become difficult. These tasks require a sequence of steps, and the ability to organize thoughts to complete them diminishes. While some of these instances are typical, struggling with routine activities may signal dementia. This difficulty extends to various areas of life, from personal hobbies to professional responsibilities. The inability to plan and execute tasks is a definite sign.

A person with dementia may have trouble with the sequence. They could forget ingredients they just added, or they might not remember the next step. What was once a simple process now seems overwhelming. The breakdown in executive function makes such tasks a source of confusion. The person may abandon the task midway through.

Because a person’s ability to manage daily routines declines, they might struggle with:

Paying bills on time
Making and keeping appointments
Managing their medications

These difficulties are not due to carelessness. A chemical and structural change has occurred in the brain, and these changes directly impact a person’s ability to organize and execute plans.

Inability to Understand Social Cues

Changes in judgment or decision-making are another sign. A person with dementia might misinterpret social interactions. They may not understand humor or sarcasm, and they can lose their sense of social norms. This leads to inappropriate comments or actions in social settings. While these changes in social cognition are confusing for family and friends, the person may not realize their behavior is unusual.

Get Checked for Dementia

Recognizing these signs is a step toward getting help. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, a medical professional can perform an evaluation. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for managing symptoms and planning for the future. While some memory changes are a natural part of aging, the signs described here indicate something more. Schedule an appointment with a neurologist to discuss your concerns.