Dementia is a term that many people hear but may not fully understand. It’s often associated with memory loss in the elderly, but it’s much more complex than that. Dementia isn’t a single disease but rather a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. As you or a loved one age, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of dementia. Recognising these symptoms early can lead to better management and a higher quality of life. This article will guide you through the early signs of dementia, offering insight and advice on what to look for.
What is Dementia?
Before diving into the early signs, it’s essential to understand what dementia is. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to impact daily activities. This decline may include memory loss, language difficulties, and problem-solving and decision-making challenges. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, there are several other types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life
One of the most recognised early signs of dementia is memory loss, particularly short-term memory. Everyone forgets things from time to time, but with dementia, the memory loss is persistent and worsens over time. A person might forget recently learned information, important dates, or events. They might also repeatedly ask for the same information or rely on memory aids like notes or electronic devices more than usual.
It’s important to note that occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing. However, if memory loss begins to disrupt daily life or the ability to function independently, it may be an early sign of dementia.
Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Another early sign of dementia is a noticeable difficulty in planning or solving problems. This could manifest as trouble following a familiar recipe, managing a budget, or keeping track of monthly bills. People with early dementia might struggle with concentration and take much longer to do things than they did before. They might also find it challenging to follow steps in a sequence, such as making a cup of tea or assembling a piece of furniture.
Challenges in Completing Familiar Tasks
As dementia progresses, even routine tasks can become difficult. This could include trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favourite game. These challenges can extend to work tasks, hobbies, or personal care routines. If someone you know starts struggling with tasks that used to be second nature, it could be a sign of early dementia.
Confusion with Time or Place
It’s common for people with dementia to lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They might forget where or how they got there, becoming disoriented even in familiar environments. For example, they may arrive at a place they’ve been many times before and not know how to get home. This confusion can be distressing for the individual and their loved ones, leading to increased anxiety and a need for reassurance.
Difficulty Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
Vision problems can also be an early sign of dementia. Some people may have difficulty reading, judging distances, or distinguishing between colours and contrasts, affecting their ability to drive or navigate their surroundings. They might also have trouble recognising their reflection in a mirror, thinking someone else is in the room. If these visual-spatial difficulties appear without a clear physical cause, they could be linked to dementia.
Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
People with dementia often have trouble following or joining in a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a discussion, unsure how to continue or repeat themselves. Finding the right word can become a struggle, and they might call things by the wrong name, such as referring to a “watch” as a “hand-clock.” These difficulties can lead to frustration and social withdrawal as the person becomes more aware of their communication challenges.
Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Everyone misplaces things occasionally, but a person with dementia may do so more frequently and in unusual places, like putting the car keys in the fridge. Moreover, they might lose the ability to retrace their steps to find the missing items. Over time, this can lead to accusations of others stealing their possessions as they become more suspicious and less able to understand where their belongings have gone.
Hearing Loss as an Early Indicator
Hearing loss is another subtle yet significant early sign of dementia that is often overlooked. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. This connection might be due to the brain working harder to process sound, leaving less capacity for other cognitive functions. Individuals with hearing loss might withdraw from conversations, struggle to follow discussions, or frequently ask others to repeat themselves. If you or a loved one experiences these issues, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, as addressing hearing loss early may help reduce the risk of dementia.
Decreased or Poor Judgement
Dementia can also impair a person’s judgement, making them more vulnerable to scams or poor financial decisions. They might squander money or give large amounts of money to telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople. In addition, they may neglect grooming and personal hygiene or make inappropriate decisions in social situations. This decline in judgement can be particularly concerning for caregivers and family members, as it increases the risk of harm.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
As dementia progresses, it’s common for people to withdraw from work, hobbies, or social activities they once enjoyed. They may become disinterested in their favourite pastimes, struggle to keep up with a favourite sports team or avoid social gatherings due to the fear of making mistakes or forgetting details. This withdrawal can lead to isolation and depression, further complicating the person’s condition.
Changes in Mood and Personality
One of the most challenging aspects of dementia for families to cope with is the change in mood and personality. Someone with dementia may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They might be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or where they are out of their comfort zone. It’s not uncommon for someone with early dementia to become unusually irritable, angry, or upset over things that wouldn’t have bothered them before.
When to Seek Medical Help
Recognising the early signs of dementia can be difficult, especially since many of these symptoms overlap with normal ageing. However, if you or someone you know consistently experiences several of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis can lead to better management of the condition and improve the quality of life for the person with dementia and their caregivers.
A neuropsychologist can conduct tests to determine if the symptoms are due to dementia or another condition. Early diagnosis also opens up access to treatments and therapies that may slow the progression of the disease or help manage symptoms more effectively.
Ivory’s Cognitive Health Checkup
It’s not just another medical test; it’s a comprehensive assessment designed by top neuro experts with decades of experience. This checkup is FDA-registered and combines cognitive testing with a detailed lifestyle screening to give you a complete picture of your cognitive health.
Here’s what the checkup includes:
- FDA Registered Cognitive Assessment: Through simple, engaging games, this assessment reveals your cognitive strengths and areas that may need improvement.
- Health & Lifestyle Screening: A thorough assessment of your lifestyle, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid profile, to identify potential risk factors.
- Neuro-Counsellor Consultations: Two personalised one-on-one consultations to discuss your assessment results and explore ways to mitigate your risk factors.
- Personalised Recommendations: A 360-degree summary of your cognitive profile with tailored recommendations for maintaining or improving your cognitive health.
Brain Care by Experts: Precise, Proven, Personal
Ivory’s Cognitive Health Checkup is backed by science and expertise. Created by specialists with over 60 years of experience in neuroscience and neuropsychology, this checkup is based on more than 20 years of research. What sets this checkup apart is its personalised approach—every client receives one-on-one support tailored to their unique needs.
As Dr. Sumiti Saharan, a leading neuroscientist and digital health strategist, explains, “Our team has built this comprehensive checkup to understand your cognitive health and lifestyle risks. This will help you identify and improve on your risk factors for a better, healthier life.”
What Our Customers Say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our clients have to say about Ivory’s Cognitive Health Checkup:
- Krishna Thacker, Advocate, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra: “Everyone touching 50 should do this to take care of their memory.”
- Gyani Lal, Creative Producer, Mumbai, Maharashtra: “It’s important to take a Cognitive test to understand your mental well-being.”
By taking this test, you’re not just protecting your brain health—you’re freeing your mind at 45 and beyond. You’ll have the confidence of knowing that you’ve done the best you could to safeguard your future. Early action can outsmart dementia. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your cognitive health and book your checkup today!
Conclusion: Early Detection is Key
Dementia is a challenging and complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The early signs of dementia can be subtle and easy to overlook, but recognising them is crucial for early intervention. By being aware of the symptoms discussed in this article, you can take proactive steps to seek help and support for yourself or a loved one. Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition and maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if you notice any concerning changes. Your awareness could be the key to a better future for someone with dementia.
