Dementia is a broad term that describes symptoms related to a chronic, progressive, and irreversible decline in mental abilities. It is among the leading causes of memory loss and cognitive impairment among older adults. Dementia is usually the result of Alzheimer’s disease, which damages brain cells. The common types of dementia are vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Some of the common warning signs of dementia are outlined below:

1. Memory loss
Most forms of dementia cause the patient’s memory to become impaired, although how the impairment presents itself varies from person to person. However, dementia most commonly affects short-term or working memory. Working memory is particularly crucial because it allows you to do things like drive a car or make a phone call. Difficulty remembering recent events is also a significant sign that a person has dementia.

2. Speaking difficulty
When someone has dementia, they may have trouble finding the right words when they’re speaking. This can lead to significant issues with speech and communication that can be frustrating and upsetting for the patient.

3. Behavior changes
Another early sign of dementia is personality and behavior changes; these changes will vary from person to person. They can include an abrupt shift in personality, a change in common routines, or a sudden inability to cope with stress. For example, a person who has always been very patient and understanding may begin to lose their temper more easily or a person who has always been very rational and logical may start to believe in things that aren’t real. A person with dementia may also develop sudden fears that they have never had before.

4. Learning and thinking issues
Another early sign of dementia is that it becomes more challenging for patients to learn new things. This is especially true for activities that require logical thinking and reasoning; when someone has dementia, they may have trouble following a logical line of reasoning. This can make it difficult for them to follow instructions or understand things that are new to them.

5. Apathy and withdrawal
Another early sign of dementia is apathy and withdrawal. The patient may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy or withdraw from social contact. Apathy and depression can be severe symptoms that warrant immediate attention, including patient and compassionate support from their loved ones.

6. Loss of ability to do everyday tasks
One of the most apparent signs of dementia is trouble performing everyday tasks; a person with dementia will find that they cannot perform simple tasks that they could do easily before.

7. Increased confusion
One of the most common, and one of the earliest, signs of dementia is increased confusion. As the disease progresses, the person with dementia will become more and more confused more and more often, even in familiar situations. This doesn’t happen suddenly; it occurs over time as the condition worsens.

Early detection is critical when it comes to dementia. Brain injury, depression, age, poor heart health, and family history are some common risk factors. If you recognize any signs of dementia in your loved one, reaching out to their physician is essential. There are treatments available for dementia, although there is no cure. Dementia home care can be the best option for dementia patients, as they are equipped to meet the person’s needs.