Introduction
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday activities. As the condition progresses, it can become increasingly difficult for those affected to live independently. As such, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia so that you can seek help as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of dementia to watch for now, as warned by experts. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Dementia Signs to Watch For Now, Warn Experts — Eat This Not That
As the population ages, dementia is becoming an increasingly common condition. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and the number is expected to triple by 2050. With this in mind, experts are warning that it’s important to be aware of the signs of dementia and to take action if you notice any changes in your loved one’s behavior.
What Are the Signs of Dementia?
The signs of dementia can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:
- Memory loss, especially short-term memory
- Difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making
- Confusion and disorientation
- Difficulty with language and communication
- Changes in mood and personality
- Difficulty with everyday tasks
If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the condition.
What Can You Do to Help?
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, there are a few things you can do to help. These include:
- Encouraging them to stay active and engaged in activities they enjoy
- Helping them to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
- Providing emotional support and understanding
- Helping them to stay connected with family and friends
- Encouraging them to seek medical advice and treatment
It’s also important to remember that dementia is a progressive condition, so it’s important to be prepared for changes in your loved one’s condition over time.
Conclusion
Dementia is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It’s important to be aware of the signs of dementia and to take action if you notice any changes in your loved one’s behavior. With early diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to slow the progression of the condition and to help your loved one maintain a good quality of life.
Dementia—the progressive brain disorder that can affect a person’s cognition, judgment, and ability to live independently—has one primary risk factor: Getting older. Early detection of dementia is crucial, so treatment can be pursued and progression of the disease can be slowed if possible. These are the potential dementia signs everyone should know, experts say. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
A common early sign of dementia is the impaired ability to communicate, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The affected person might have trouble finding the right words or finishing sentences. They might use substitutes or talk around words they’re unable to remember.
Someone with dementia is likely to experience memory loss as an early symptom. This may involve recent events, recently learned information like names and places, or where they left certain objects. Everyone misplaces their keys or phone at times, but a person with dementia may have trouble retracing their steps to find those missing items.
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A person with dementia may begin having trouble with reading, writing, or complicated mental tasks like balancing a checkbook, following directions, or making calculations. Familiar tasks, like paying bills or cooking frequently used recipes, may become difficult, the CDC says. “As memory problems pick up, the individual with early dementia will leave tasks incomplete, avoid complex games and projects and give up the financial management (like the checkbook) to a spouse or partner,” says Thomas C. Hammond, MD, a neurologist with Baptist Health’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton, Florida.
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A person with dementia may become lost in places that were previously well-known, like in their own neighborhood or on a frequently driven route. They may forget how they got there and how to return home. Poor orientation to time, place, person or situation are symptoms to look out for, says Scott Kaiser, MD, director of geriatric cognitive health at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
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Dementia may cause an affected person to have trouble walking or maintaining coordination or motor skills, says the CDC. They may have difficulty staying balanced or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or dropping or spilling items more often.
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A person with dementia may have trouble focusing on tasks or find it difficult to follow directions or conversations. It is rare for older adults to receive a new diagnosis of attention-deficit disorder, says Gerdie Jean-Smith, MD, a board-certified geriatrician based in Florida. New problems with attention are more suspicious for dementia.
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Personality or mood changes are frequently overlooked early signs of dementia. A person with early cognitive decline may spend less time with others and begin to self-isolate. They might become apathetic, losing interest in activities they had formerly enjoyed. Family members might misinterpret these changes as depression, anxiety, or stress. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.