Do you have an older family member or loved one in your life who is beginning to show signs of cognitive issues?
There are roughly ten million new cases of dementia every year. It can sneak up on you too. When a loved one starts displaying some of the early signs of dementia, it is time to invest in some form of home care or memory care.
However, what are the warning signs of dementia and how can you recognize them? These are some early dementia signs that you should be looking out for.
Poor Judgment
One of the earliest signs of dementia is poor judgment, which can appear in several ways.
It’s possible that your loved one has started acting inappropriately in social situations, such as making rude and unusual remarks by accident or laughing at inappropriate times.
They may also have poor financial judgment. They might find themselves losing money or spending too much when this wasn’t common for them before. They may fall victim to online scammers or buy things they don’t need from infomercials or telemarketers.
These things are signs of cognitive impairment that should be discussed with a doctor to see if dementia is a possibility and what you should do next.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
While this isn’t a cause of dementia alone, a sudden withdrawal from social events or activities is an early warning sign that some people may miss.
In the early stages, your loved one might recognize that their behavior is changing. They may even notice the inappropriate behavior mentioned in the previous section. This will cause them to avoid social situations in which they might make those types of mistakes, whether they recognize that they’re withdrawing or not.
Poor Concentration
People with early signs of dementia may have a hard time focusing on the tasks at hand, or even on conversations that they’re having.
You may discover half-finished tasks that your loved one has started. This can be anything from puzzles and drawings to cleaning and other forms of housework.
They might also leave dinner half-finished, or even forget food on the stove or in the oven.
Abrupt Personality Shifts
Dementia isn’t only about memory loss. Many people report severe and sudden personality changes in their loved ones with dementia.
People who were formerly kind, might become rude and abrasive. Someone may begin making crude or sexually inappropriate remarks to strangers.
This shift is upsetting but recognizing it as a symptom of a larger problem can help you seek treatment and care.
Problems with Word Retrieval
The occasional bout of absentmindedness and “tip of my tongue syndrome” is normal, but when you find that you’re loved one is struggling to find words time and time again, it might be time to look at the situation more carefully.
Your loved one may find themselves trailing off mid-sentence, or even struggling to write notes or emails. Frequent word retrieval problems may indicate the beginnings of dementia.
Have You Noticed These Early Signs of Dementia?
When you notice early signs of dementia in a loved one, it’s important to see a medical professional to discuss the next steps to take.
If you want to ensure that your loved one is safe and supported for the duration of their condition, we aim to help. Visit our site to learn about all of the services that we offer for seniors to keep them feeling supported and healthy.
