By Adam Bisby, September 30. 2019
Cognitive decline becomes classified as dementia when it is severe enough to interfere with daily life and activities. Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, one of the most widespread forms of dementia, causes brain cell function to deteriorate. Would you be able to recognize the symptoms of this creeping affliction?
Here are the subtle signs of dementia, which tends to worsen as you age.
Forgetfulness
Everyone forgets things from time to time, but drawing a blank on key personal information such as friends’ names, birthdays, and other important dates may be an early sign of dementia.
Poor recall
Likewise, having difficulty recalling information you recently learned—details of a movie or news story, for instance—can also be a symptom of dementia.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Our busy lives can be so distracting that we accidentally overlook everyday tasks, such as feeding pets or serving part of a meal. However, dementia could be a factor if you experience difficulty completing tasks that were once familiar.
Trouble finding the right word
We all get tongue-tied now and again, but a person with dementia may forget simple words they would normally use effortlessly.
Word swapping
The early signs of dementia include the inadvertent swapping of spoken words, which can make speech difficult to understand. Mean what see here we?
Disorientation in time
We all occasionally lose track of time, but people with dementia may mix up mealtimes, for instance, or show up for appointments at the wrong time.
Disorientation in space
As it progresses, this symptom can make it possible to feel lost on your own street. You may also be unable to recall how you got there.
Impaired judgment
The early signs of dementia include changes in judgment or decision making. This is especially worrying because it can prevent you from seeking medical care.
Trouble with abstract thinking
Thinking about objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present becomes more difficult with the onset of dementia. Balancing a checkbook, for example, becomes a challenge when the disease undermines your ability to understand numbers and how they are used.
Misplacing things
Misplacing a wallet or set of keys is commonplace, of course, but leaving your wallet in the dishwasher or putting keys in your shoes are signs that dementia could be taking hold.
Changes in mood
Moodiness is perfectly normal, but wild mood swings for no apparent reason could signal the onset of dementia.
Changes in behavior
Erratic behavior tends to accompany the violent mood swings that often characterize the early stages of dementia.
Changes in personality
Yes, people change, but a sudden and drastic change in personality could be a sign of dementia.
Confusion
The onset of dementia can give rise to feelings of perplexity and bewilderment.
Suspiciousness
Irrational suspicion verging on paranoia is another common trait among dementia sufferers.
Withdrawal
A pattern of behavior characterized by a pathological retreat from contact with others is another symptom associated with dementia.
Lack of interest
Dementia sufferers often lose interest in activities they were once passionate about.
Fearfulness
Fear fueled by confusion, paranoia, or other symptoms on this list often accompanies the onset of dementia.
Loss of initiative
Not wanting to do chores or attend events is one thing, but requiring cues and prompting to become involved in even the smallest task or occasion can be an early sign of dementia.
High blood pressure
Caused by high blood pressure, vascular dementia occurs when a series of small strokes damages the brain over time.
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Source: MSN
