Blog
Catching the Early Signs of Dementia
- May 15, 2024
- Posted by: Harry Kearns
- Category: Blog
Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with your daily life. Early signs can vary depending on the specific type of dementia and the person.
Early diagnosis is important and lets you better manage the condition. You and your loved ones can work with healthcare professionals to develop a plan for treatment and support that is tailored to your needs.
These are the important early signs to keep an eye out for:
- Memory Loss: Forgetfulness that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting important dates or events, repeating yourself, or relying on memory aids more often. Putting your keys or eyeglasses in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps to find them, sometimes accusing other people of taking your things.
- Difficulty with Planning and Problem-Solving: Trouble with tasks that require planning, organization, or decision-making, such as following a recipe, managing finances, or keeping track of appointments.
- Confusion and Disorientation: Becoming confused about time, getting lost in familiar places, or having difficulty recognising faces or landmarks.
- Challenges with Language and Communication: Difficulty finding the right words, following conversations or understanding written language.
- Changes in Mood & Personality: Irritability, agitation, apathy, or withdrawal from social activities or hobbies. Becoming more passive or exhibiting inappropriate behaviours.
- Poor Judgment: Making poor decisions or showing poor judgment in social situations.
- Difficulty with Movement and Coordination: Changes in coordination, balance, or motor skills that affect activities such as walking, driving, or performing fine motor tasks.
As we age, we may notice our memory isn’t what it once was. Occasional forgetfulness is very common and is not something to worry about. However, if you notice it interferes with your normal routine it is important to talk to your GP. There are medications and therapies that can help with symptoms and improve quality of life, especially in the early stages of dementia.
Getting a diagnosis early can give you and your loved ones time to adjust and understand what’s happening. You can connect with support groups and find resources that can guide and comfort you along the way. An early diagnosis lets you to take control, stay informed and find the support you need to make the most of every day.