Introduction
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult to recognize the signs of dementia, but it is important to be aware of them so that you can seek help if needed. In this article, we will discuss some of the sure signs of dementia according to science, as well as some tips on how to prevent it. We will also provide some helpful advice on what to eat and what to avoid in order to reduce your risk of developing dementia. By understanding the signs and taking the necessary steps to prevent it, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe.
Sure Signs You’re Getting Dementia, According to Science
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult to diagnose, but there are some signs that can indicate that you may be developing dementia. Here are some of the sure signs you’re getting dementia, according to science.
1. Memory Loss
One of the most common signs of dementia is memory loss. This can include forgetting recent events, conversations, or even people’s names. If you find yourself having difficulty remembering things, it could be a sign of dementia.
2. Difficulty Concentrating
Another sign of dementia is difficulty concentrating. If you find yourself having difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations, it could be a sign of dementia. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having difficulty concentrating.
3. Confusion
Confusion is another sign of dementia. If you find yourself getting confused easily or having difficulty understanding conversations, it could be a sign of dementia. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having difficulty understanding conversations.
4. Difficulty Making Decisions
Another sign of dementia is difficulty making decisions. If you find yourself having difficulty making decisions or understanding the consequences of your decisions, it could be a sign of dementia. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having difficulty making decisions.
5. Changes in Personality
Changes in personality can also be a sign of dementia. If you find yourself becoming more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn, it could be a sign of dementia. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having changes in your personality.
Conclusion
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of dementia and improve your quality of life.
Several studies have found that happiness comes with age—older people report greater emotional well-being and more personal satisfaction and security. At the same time, aging comes with its share of worries, particularly health issues. For many, chief among those age-related concerns is dementia, a progressive cognitive decline that’s becoming more common as more of us live longer. It’s important to recognize the signs of dementia and seek treatment early, to slow its progression or correct cognition issues if possible. Read on for 7 things you need to know to keep yourself sound of mind—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
“Dementia is a general term that includes different types, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, and Lewy body dementia,” says Gerdie Jean-Smith, MD, a board-certified geriatrician based in Florida. “Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are the most well-known.”
“In short, dementia is a disorder characterized by a decline in cognition involving one or more cognitive domains: learning and memory, language, executive function, complex attention, perceptual-motor, and social cognition,” says Jean-Smith. People with dementia experience a decline in one or more of these areas that is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and independence.
“If you’re reading this article and concerned that you might be getting dementia, you probably are not, because most patients with dementia do not notice the symptoms,” says Jean-Smith. “In fact, it is usually a concerned family member or friend that notices the decline and brings it to the attention of the healthcare practitioner.” These are some of the signs to watch for.
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People with dementia may have trouble remembering things that are subtle at first, “like what they had for breakfast, forgetting where they left an item, or having a hard time remembering why they entered a certain room,” says Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York and Connecticut.
This can include difficulty remembering important events or appointments, or forgetting familiar routines like recipes always cooked from memory, says Jean-Smith.
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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, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Familiar chores, like paying bills, 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, says Jean-Smith.
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Someone with dementia may have trouble navigating through familiar places. They might get lost or have difficulty remembering familiar routes, like the correct off-ramp on a highway, says Jean-Smith.
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A common early sign of dementia is the impaired ability to communicate, says the CDC. The affected person might have trouble finding the right words, finishing sentences, or following directions or conversations.
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A person with dementia may seem apathetic or emotionally flat, lose interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities, or avoid spending time with friends and family, says Schiff.
A change in attention level or ability to concentrate may also indicate dementia. “It’s very unlikely an aging adult would have a new diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD),” says Jean-Smith.
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“Memory problems and forgetfulness don’t automatically mean you have dementia,” says Schiff. “These are normal parts of aging and can be caused by other factors, but you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms.”
If you notice signs associated with dementia, and they aren’t improving, “it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes for your symptoms and determine whether it is dementia or another cognitive problem,” says Schiff. “It is especially important because with early diagnosis and treatment, you can slow the progression of the disease and maintain your mental function.”
Making a dementia diagnosis is complicated and may require a referral to a specialist, says Jean-Smith. That might include a geriatrician, neurologist, or neuropsychologist. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.