Across the world, it’s estimated that over 50 million people have dementia, with around 6 million Americans forming part of this statistic. Dementia is a term that describes an array of symptoms that affect a person’s cognitive function. Dementia tends to get worse over time, so here are some of the early warning signs you must look out for, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one.
Memory Loss
One of the most common symptoms of dementia is memory loss. An individual with dementia may begin having difficulty recalling information they’ve recently learned. These can include particular events, dates, or new information. You may find your loved one struggles to relay information to friends and family. While many people forget things more often as they get older, if it’s a common occurrence and you have concerns, your loved one should see a doctor.
Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks
Whether it’s keeping the house clean, changing the channel on the television, operating a smartphone, or making a coffee, if your loved one is having problems completing day-to-day challenges, this could be an early warning sign of dementia. When visiting your loved one’s home, if they are slacking on housework and lots of clutter has accumulated, there may be a reason behind it, rather than them simply getting older.
Problems Speaking
Those living with dementia may find it difficult to participate in conversations. This could be because they’ve forgotten what they are talking about, or what another person has said. If your loved one is asking the same questions over and over, you shouldn’t ignore this warning sign. Make sure you remain patient with your loved one and see a doctor immediately.
Withdrawing from Society
If your loved one has a big circle of friends and is normally described as the life and soul of the party, them suddenly withdrawing from social activities should be a major cause for concern. A person with dementia may fear being around others, whether it’s at the office or at home. If they are becoming withdrawn and reluctant to talk to others, it’s wise to book a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. Once a diagnosis has been made, your loved one may benefit from a memory care St Louis facility like McKnight Place where they can interact with others and get the best care possible.
Changes in Behavior
Those with dementia could begin experiencing personality changes or mood swings. If your loved one is normally upbeat and positive, they could start becoming anxious, depressed, and irritable. In many cases, individuals with dementia act in unusual ways that don’t reflect their former selves. Whether your loved one is becoming agitated at the slightest thing, misplacing items, or not taking an interest in hobbies they once loved, you shouldn’t delay in seeking medical help.
If you resonate with any of the warning signs above and believe your loved one may have dementia, make sure they seek medical help straight away. The earlier you act, the more chance you have of slowing down the disease.
