Introduction
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be subtle and vary from person to person. However, there are certain signs that can indicate the presence of dementia. In this article, we will discuss five signs that may indicate the need for a dementia check-up. We will also provide tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the risk of developing dementia. By understanding the signs and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can help protect yourself from the devastating effects of dementia.
If You Can’t Do These 5 Things, Get Checked for Dementia
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult to diagnose, but there are some warning signs that can help you determine if you or a loved one may be at risk. If you can’t do these five things, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
1. Remember Appointments
One of the earliest signs of dementia is difficulty remembering appointments. If you find yourself forgetting to show up for important meetings or appointments, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
2. Follow Directions
Another sign of dementia is difficulty following directions. If you find yourself having trouble understanding instructions or following through on tasks, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
3. Recognize People
If you’re having trouble recognizing people you know, it could be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself forgetting the names of people you’ve known for years, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
4. Manage Finances
If you’re having trouble managing your finances, it could be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself forgetting to pay bills or having difficulty understanding financial documents, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
5. Perform Everyday Tasks
If you’re having trouble performing everyday tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, it could be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself forgetting how to do simple tasks, it’s time to get checked for dementia.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked for dementia as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
According to the CDC, 6.2 million people in the U.S are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. “Diagnosing dementia and its many types can be challenging for physicians,” says Glen Stevens, DO, PhD. “It is estimated that 5% of individuals over the age of 65 have severe dementia, and 10 to 15% are at least mildly impaired. As the size of the elderly population expands, the number of individuals with dementia will inevitably increase. Early and accurate diagnosis is the major objective in dementia evaluation.” Here are five warning signs of dementia you should never ignore. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Struggling to pick up on sarcasm or losing the ability to understand a joke could be an early symptom of dementia. “Early signs of dementia include changes to language, behaviors and responses to social cues,” says Hannah Churchill, research communications manager at Alzheimer’s Society.
“If you find your sense of humor has changed significantly, it might be worth getting some medical advice,” says Katie Puckering, information services manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Changes in mood could be a sign of dementia. “Scientists have long known that depression and dementia go hand in hand,” says Dr Cornelia Cremens, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “If somebody appears to have the beginnings of dementia and they are depressed, it’s very important to treat their depression, and to treat it as aggressively as possible.”
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Unexplained financial issues—for example, allowing bills to remain unpaid—could be a symptom of dementia. “They might start making purchases they have not made before or fall prey to scams because judgment and their ability to understand the consequences of decisions may be impaired,” says Dr. James Galvin, MD, MPH.
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“One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s dementia is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information,” according to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report from the Alzheimer’s Association. “Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (for example, reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things that used to be handled on one’s own.”
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There is growing evidence that dementia can be seen from the way a person walks, and could even be used for early diagnosis: “They walked slower with shorter steps, were more variable and asymmetric, and spent longer with both feet on the ground compared to control subjects,” says Ríona McArdle, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Brain and Movement Group, Newcastle University. “This shows that people with dementia have significant walking problems, and that we need to look at this in people at risk of developing dementia to see if it can predict the onset of the condition.”