Introduction
As women age, they may experience signs of dementia that are often overlooked or ignored. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is important to recognize the signs of dementia early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Unfortunately, women are more likely to ignore the signs of dementia than men, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will discuss some of the signs of dementia that are often ignored by women and provide tips on how to recognize them. We will also discuss the importance of seeking medical help if you or a loved one is exhibiting any of these signs.
Signs of Dementia Usually Ignored by Women
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, remember, and reason. It is a common condition among older adults, but it can also affect younger people. Unfortunately, women are more likely to ignore the signs of dementia than men, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
If you are a woman, it is important to be aware of the signs of dementia and to seek medical help if you notice any of them. Here are some of the signs of dementia that women often ignore:
- Memory loss: Memory loss is one of the most common signs of dementia. If you find yourself forgetting things more often than usual, it could be a sign of dementia.
- Trouble concentrating: Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks can be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself having trouble focusing or staying on task, it could be a sign of dementia.
- Confusion: Confusion is another common sign of dementia. If you find yourself feeling confused or disoriented, it could be a sign of dementia.
- Changes in behavior: Changes in behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn or irritable, can be a sign of dementia. If you notice any changes in your behavior, it could be a sign of dementia.
- Difficulty with language: Difficulty understanding or using language can be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself having trouble understanding or using language, it could be a sign of dementia.
If you notice any of these signs of dementia, it is important to seek medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
About two-thirds of dementia patients are women, and after age 60, a woman has a 1 in 5 chance of developing the condition, says the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. Complicating these statistics: Women tend to focus on caring for their partners, children, grandchildren, and other family—often at the expense of their own health. Dementia is a progressive disease, and early diagnosis is key so it can be treated or slowed if possible. That’s why it’s important that women, and those who love them, are able to recognize the most commonly ignored or overlooked signs of dementia. Read on to find out what they are—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.
Problems with memory are one of the most common symptoms of dementia. They can also be difficult to spot. A certain level of forgetfulness is normal as we grow older—our brains can’t retain everything—but when memory issues begin to affect your day-to-day life, it’s cause for further investigation.
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A frequently overlooked sign of dementia is stocking up on routine purchases such as toiletries or makeup, says Jared Heathman, MD, a family psychiatrist in Houston, Texas. “When out shopping, recent purchases of frequently used items are often forgotten,” he adds. “This can lead to purchasing items due to the belief that they are running low.”
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Subtle personality changes are the most commonly overlooked early symptom in dementia, says Thomas C. Hammond, MD, a neurologist with Baptist Health’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton, Florida. For example: When cognition declines, some people begin to isolate socially, spending less time with others. This might be easily dismissed as fatigue, busyness or distractedness by the person affected or their family members.
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“Changes in mood are also a feature of early dementia that are commonly missed,” says Hammond. “The patient with early dementia will become apathetic, losing interest in activities they had formerly enjoyed. Family members often attribute these changes to the individual being depressed, anxious or under stress.”
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A person with dementia may begin to have trouble expressing themselves verbally. This symptom may be subtle, not easily noticed by the person with cognitive decline or those around them, says Hammond. Words might escape them in conversation, and they might use substitutions or talk around what they can’t recall. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.