About 200 known forms of this disease are described as dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia presents differently in each person, but it generally describes a group of symptoms related to the decline of the brain.
Early detection of the disease can sometimes help slow memory decline, but there is no known cure for the disease yet.
Many believe that the only sign of dementia is memory loss, but there are other early symptoms, which are not known to the public, that can help in an immediate diagnosis, which requires knowing them and not ignoring them.
early signs of dementia
When people begin to develop dementia, their personalities often change. Alzheimer’s Society UK says: “Personalities can change in subtle ways over time. However, someone with dementia may experience more obvious changes in personality and can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes may also include a lack of interest or fear.”
In addition, the disease can affect mood, which can often manifest as a personality shift.
The association explains: “A person with dementia may display various mood swings, from calmness to crying and anger, for no apparent reason.”
Experts also recognize that dementia often causes people to lose interest in daily life, leading to negative behaviour.
If a person begins to tire from social interaction or household chores, they may have dementia.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia can affect each person differently. When a doctor is looking to diagnose dementia, he or she will identify the following signs and symptoms:
Memory problems
Increased forgetfulness
Difficulty retaining new information
Getting lost in once familiar places
– Struggle to remember names
Frequently misplacing things
Decreased cognitive ability
Difficulty understanding time and place, such as getting up in the middle of the night to go to work, even if they are retired
Difficulty choosing what to buy and paying when shopping
Difficulty and struggle in decision-making and thinking
Loss of interest in activities the patient used to enjoy
restlessness, such as pacing, restlessness, and trying to leave the house
Communication problems
Difficulty finding the right words
Difficulty carrying on and following up on conversations
Difficulty reading and writing
– That the patient becomes more quiet and isolated
Loss of interest in social contact
– Loss of self-confidence and others
Changes in personality and behaviour
Mood swings, anxiety and depression