Dementia: The Early Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Dementia is a scary diganosis for any family member. While it is not preventable, recognizing the early signs of dementia can be crucial for timely intervention and management, such as preparing for in-home care services. Early detection not only helps in planning and understanding the changes one might anticipate but also opens the door to potential benefits from treatments. 

In this article, we will explore the top ten signs of dementia that families and caregivers should be aware of. Understanding these signs can prepare you to take the necessary steps toward providing support and care for your loved ones.
 

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a collective term for brain conditions that cause a decline in memory, reasoning, and thinking skills, severely affecting daily activities. Dementia is not a single disease; it's an overall term—like heart disease—that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Disorders grouped under the general term "dementia" are caused by abnormal brain changes. 

These changes trigger a decline in cognitive abilities, severely impairing daily living and affecting behavior. Dementia deteriorates the part of the brain that controls thoughts, memories, and language. Although age is a strong risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of aging.
 

Identifying the Early Indicators of Dementia

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. While it's normal to occasionally forget appointments, names or phone numbers, and remember them later, a person with dementia may forget them more often and not recall them at all.
 

2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may struggle with following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They might find it difficult to concentrate and take much longer to do things than they did before.
 

3. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. In some cases, they may accuse others of stealing; this behavior occurs more frequently over time.
 

4. Struggling to Complete Familiar Tasks

People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks that used to be done without much effort. For example, they may forget how to drive to a familiar location, manage a budget at work, or remember the rules of a favorite game.
 

5. Confusion with Time or Place

People living with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
 

6. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
 

7. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word, or call things by the wrong name.
 

8. Decreased or Poor Judgment

Dementia affects judgment, making it difficult for individuals to understand what is reasonable. They may experience decreased judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers, for example. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
 

9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They may lose interest in favorite hobbies. This usually happens because they might forget how to perform their favorite activities or they fear making social errors.
 

10. Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

Living with dementia can be challenging, not just for the person affected but also for their caregivers and family. However, understanding these symptoms and seeking appropriate help will enable better management of the condition, which can improve the quality of life for everyone involved.
 

Embracing Support and Care in the Dementia Journey

Recognizing the signs of dementia early can make a significant difference in management and care. There are are a number of benefits to keeping dementia patients at home. For that reason, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional support and in-home health care tailored to meet the needs of those experiencing memory issues and their families. With expert caregivers trained in dementia care, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our clients, ensuring they live with dignity and comfort in their familiar surroundings.

If you or a loved one is showing signs of dementia, don't face this challenge alone. Reach out to BrightStar Care® Cleveland for compassionate, professional assistance. Let us be a part of your support system, helping you navigate the complexities of dementia with confidence and care. Contact us today by calling (440) 613-1500 or via our website to learn more about our in-home care services.