Dementia Signs You Need to Know Now, Say Experts — Eat This Not That

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. As the population ages, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia so that you can seek help if needed. In this article, experts from Eat This Not That provide insight into the signs of dementia that you should be aware of now. They discuss the early warning signs, the different types of dementia, and the importance of seeking help. With this information, you can be better prepared to recognize the signs of dementia and take the necessary steps to get help.

Dementia Signs You Need to Know Now, Say Experts — Eat This Not That

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is estimated that more than 5 million Americans are living with dementia, and the number is expected to double by 2050. As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of dementia. That’s why experts are urging people to be aware of the early warning signs and to seek medical help if they suspect they or a loved one may be affected.

What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?

The early signs of dementia can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:

  • Memory loss that affects day-to-day activities
  • Difficulty performing familiar tasks
  • Problems with language
  • Disorientation to time and place
  • Poor or decreased judgment
  • Problems with abstract thinking
  • Misplacing things
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Loss of initiative

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia?

Although there is no surefire way to prevent dementia, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying socially active are all important steps to take. Additionally, experts recommend avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress levels.

It’s also important to stay informed about the latest research and treatments for dementia. By staying up to date on the latest developments, you can be better prepared to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease and take steps to reduce your risk.

Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that can affect a person’s cognition, judgment, and ability to live independently. It has one unavoidable risk factor: Getting older. According to the World Health Organization, dementia cases are expected to triple from their current rate by the year 2050, simply because so much of the population is aging. Early detection is crucial, so progression of the disease can be slowed if possible. These are the potential dementia signs everyone should know. 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.

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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 missing items.

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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.

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A person with dementia may begin having trouble with reading, writing or complex mental tasks like balancing a checkbook, following directions, or making calculations. Familiar tasks, like paying bills, cooking frequently used recipes, may become difficult. Conversely, coping with the unfamiliar can be hard for a person with dementia, who may have trouble handling unexpected events or changes in routine.

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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.

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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, experts say; new problems with attention are more suspicious for dementia.

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Personality or mood changes are an often overlooked early symptom 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. 

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If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms that might indicate dementia, talk with your primary care doctor.  You may be referred to a specialist—a geriatrician, neurologist, or neuropsychologist—to make a full diagnosis. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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