Did you know that early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect a growing number of younger commercially insured Americans? From the age of 50, it’s common to have trouble remembering where you placed things or finding the right words.
Persistent memory issues, or the inability to perform daily tasks around St. Paul, might be signs of something more serious happening to a loved one. Below, we show signs of early onset dementia as described by our dementia home care specialist, so you can take action as quickly as possible.
Changes in Mood
Although changes in mood may not seem like a big red flag, it is one of the first signs of dementia. For example, depression is common during the first stages.
Someone might show that they are more anxious or paranoid than they were previously, or they get irritated if their daily routine changes. In addition to mood changes, you may notice a difference in their personality.
Difficulty Completing Tasks
If you notice a loved one has a subtle shift in their ability to complete everyday tasks around St. Paul, it is another possible warning sign of dementia. It can start with difficulty doing complex tasks, like following a recipe, but it will become more challenging for them to do anything in their daily routine.
You might also notice that your loved one struggles to learn how to follow new routines or learn new things.
Poor Judgement
Another symptom of cognitive decline is the inability to make good decisions. People with dementia may not recognize when they’re in a dangerous situation. For example, they might try to cross a busy street without waiting for it to be safe.
Financial misjudgment is also a sign of dementia. Someone who was once good with money might start giving it away with no rhyme or reason.
Repetition and Apathy
Repetition is a common sign of memory loss, many people with dementia exhibit this behavior. They may repeat daily tasks or collect items obsessively. The person might also repeat the same story or ask the same question multiple times in a conversation.
If you notice that a loved one is losing interest in hobbies or activities that they once enjoyed doing in the St. Paul area, it could be a sign of early onset dementia. Apathy, or listlessness, can cause a person to no longer want to go out or spend time with family and friends. They may seem emotionally flat.
Trouble Communicating
Observe if a loved one has trouble following along with or joining conversations, struggles to think of words, or stops abruptly in the middle of a thought.
Having a conversation with a person who has dementia is challenging. Pay attention to a loved one who takes longer than usual to express their feelings or thoughts.
Signs of Early Onset Dementia in Your Loved One in St. Paul
Dementia isn’t only one condition; it encompasses various conditions. These conditions cause cognitive decline that affects behavior, memory, and communication skills.
If you notice that you or a loved one is beginning to show dementia symptoms, you’ll want to contact your doctor in the St. Paul area and ask for a consultation. There is no cure for certain types of dementia, but there are methods of slowing the progression of the disease.
Are you looking for senior care, particularly with dementia? Look no further than Sholom’s Senior Living. Be sure to contact us for more information.