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What Are The Beginning Signs Of Dementia

Difficulty Completing Normal Tasks

Teepa Snow Discusses the Ten Early Signs of Dementia

A subtle shift in the ability to complete normal tasks may indicate that someone has early dementia. This usually starts with difficulty doing more complex tasks like balancing a checkbook or playing games that have a lot of rules.

Along with the struggle to complete familiar tasks, they may struggle to learn how to do new things or follow new routines.

Watch For These 12 Early Signs Of Dementia

As you interact with an aging loved one, watch for these early signs of dementia and Alzheimers. One symptom doesnt necessarily mean that they are developing dementia. However, several may mean that your loved one needs to be seen by a neurologist. The top twelve early signs and symptoms of dementia include

Early Signs Of Dementia In Men

Dementia is a collection of symptoms, and there are many overlapping features between the different types. Other diseases and disorders can contribute to dementia, which may affect thought processes, communication ability, focus, and memory capacity of those affected. It is important to not assume your loved one has dementia just because they are facing memory problems. The diagnosis can be complicated and requires the assessment of a doctor or medical professional. The following are some of the more common signs of early dementia in men:

Recent memory loss: Forgetting recent conversations or events is often the first sign. Memories are often not affected and may throw off family members, making them think that memory is okay. Often those affected by dementia will not be able to remember what they eat for breakfast.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks: A very reliable warning sign, according to many medical experts. Dementia patients often lose the ability to cook food they once did flawlessly or get lost on their way home in a neighborhood theyve lived in their whole lives.

Language problems: Struggling to communicate thoughts is often an early sign of dementia. They have difficulty explaining things or have trouble finding the right words to express themselves. They may also substitute the wrong word either knowingly or not.

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Problems Writing Or Speaking

Communication problems are ranked among the beginning signs of dementia. A person who is at the early dementia stages may no longer enjoy holding conversations because they do not flow naturally.

People around them may find it difficult to know what they are saying because words may be strewn all over the place in a way that does not make sense.

They can instantly forget what a person they are talking to has said hence, not know what to replay. When writing, folks with dementia may perhaps find that their pieces have issues with punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

The illness occasionally affects a persons handwriting, making it illegible.

Symptoms Specific To Frontotemporal Dementia

What is Dementia?

Although Alzheimer’s disease is still the most common type of dementia in people under 65, a higher percentage of people in this age group may develop frontotemporal dementia than older people. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65.

Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may include:

  • personality changes reduced sensitivity to others’ feelings, making people seem cold and unfeeling
  • lack of social awareness making inappropriate jokes or showing a lack of tact, though some people may become very withdrawn and apathetic
  • language problems difficulty finding the right words or understanding them
  • becoming obsessive such as developing fads for unusual foods, overeating and drinking

Read more about frontotemporal dementia.

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Dementia & Alzheimer’s Infographic

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< div style=”clear: both “> < a href=”https://keystone.health/early-warning-signs-dementia-alzheimers”> < img src=”https://keystone.health/images/resources/keystone-dementia-infographic.png” alt=”Dementia and Alzheimer’s Infographic” /> < /a> < br /> < br /> < a href=”https://keystone.health/early-warning-signs-dementia-alzheimers”> Early Warning Signs of Dementia & Alzheimer’s< /a> created by < a href=”https://keystone.health/”> Keystone Health< /a> < /div>

Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia

  • What are the early signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s?Some of the most common early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms include trouble remembering recent events, difficulty concentrating, increased mental confusion, changes in behavior or personality, apathy or withdrawal, and depression or anxiety. While these first signs of dementia may seem somewhat unassuming it is important to notice when these symptoms are occurring on a regular basis.
  • Is short-term memory loss a sign of dementia?Changes in memory is a normal sign of aging, but significant memory loss may be a sign of dementia. Additionally, having trouble remembering recently learned information can be an early warning sign of dementia.
  • What is the life expectancy of someone with dementia?Life expectancy depends largely on the patient’s age and health, and can range anywhere from 1 to 26 years, according to one study. Every case is different, and it depends on the type of dementia the patient has. The general life expectancy for an Alzheimer’s patient is 8 to 12 years from the date of diagnosis. Patients diagnosed around the age of 60 tend to decline more slowly than those diagnosed over the age of 80.
  • Can dementia be cured?There is no curative treatment for dementia currently available and no vaccination to prevent it. Medication is available to help relieve symptoms, and certain lifestyle changes may slow the progression of the disease.
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    Trouble Doing Basic Tasks

    When someone has dementia, it affects their ability to process thoughts, directions, and interferes with their memory. These are some of the reasons why it may impact your elderly loved ones ability to do basic tasks that they have done for many years without fail. The disease can cause your elderly loved one to forget how to do things or it may just take them longer to get a certain task done. If this is something that you notice, it may be time to hire senior home care providers to help with these tasks.

    Changes In Behaviour Judgement And Moods

    Recognizing the early Signs of Dementia

    Becoming quiet, withdrawn or restless or frustrated or angry can be early signs of dementia. Someone may develop repetitive behaviour for example, they ask the same question over and over again, do the same thing repeatedly or make multiple phone calls to the same person. They may become insecure and anxious or start hiding and losing items. They may withdraw from social activities or give up hobbies and interests they have enjoyed.

    They may show poor judgement, for example putting summer clothes on in cold winter months, not knowing when a kettle is full or overfilling cups when making cold and hot drinks, putting a kettle on the hob or leaving a cooker on or tap running. Someone with dementia may become very emotional and experience rapid mood swings or become quieter and less emotional than usual.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Symptoms

    My dad seems to be tired all the time lately how do I know the difference between age-related changes and dementia symptoms?

    Sleep disruption is common with regards to both age-related sleep patterns and signs of early onset dementia so it can be tricky to work out whats going on. But if you look out for accompanying symptoms specific to dementia you may be able to tell the difference. If you suspect it is more than just sleepiness make an appointment with your parents GP.For more information on how dementia symptoms can affect sleep please read our article on dementia and sleep.

    What do I do if I think my mum or dad has dementia?

    The GP should be the first point of call if you suspect your parent is suffering from signs of early onset dementia. If the doctor suspects your parent has dementia they will refer them to a memory clinic or specialist. For further details on the process please visit our guide on diagnosing dementia.

    How does the dementia diagnosis process work?How are dementia symptoms treated?

    Unfortunately, dementia cant be cured but it can be slowed down significantly, especially if diagnosed earlier on. For more details on drugs used, visit our guide on dementia treatment.

    Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s

    Memory often changes as people grow older. Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. People with one or more of these 10 warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives them a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future.

    1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember .

    2.Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years.

    3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure: having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping.

    4.Confusion with time or place: having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates.

    5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations: having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alzheimers Association have created the Healthy Brain Initiatives State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map.

    8. being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet.

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    What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia

    Dementia is a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia, but there are others, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. While dementia is associated with aging, it isnt a normal part of the aging process, which is why it is a distinct, diagnosable condition. In older adults with non-dementia, their knowledge, old memories and language usually stay intact, whereas these abilities may be impacted in those with dementia.

    Below, we explore the early signs of dementia and how to manage the first stages of dementia.

    Signs Of Mild Alzheimers Disease

    Dementia Symptoms

    In mild Alzheimers disease, a person may seem to be healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around him or her. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and his or her family. Problems can include:

    • Memory loss
    • Poor judgment leading to bad decisions
    • Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
    • Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
    • Repeating questions
    • Increased sleeping
    • Loss of bowel and bladder control

    A common cause of death for people with Alzheimers disease is aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia develops when a person cannot swallow properly and takes food or liquids into the lungs instead of air.

    There is currently no cure for Alzheimers, though there are medicines that can treat the symptoms of the disease.

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    Loss Of Daily Life Skills

    A home that may not be as well kept as usual may be a sign that the person living there has dementia. They may lose the ability to do many of the things they normally do themselves, such as preparing meals, household chores and eating and drinking properly.

    They may also struggle to maintain their personal hygiene and getting dressed. Deciding what to wear, how to put things on and in the right order may become increasingly difficult. Getting around the house without walking into furniture and other items may also be a problem.

    What Can You Do About It

    Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 10 seniors over the age of 65 has dementia. Though the disease affects each patient differently, most people with Alzheimer’s live only 4 to 8 years after diagnosis.

    While you cannot reverse dementia or the damage it causes, there are ways to improve quality of life. Here are some simple tips for management that you can discuss with your doctor:

    • Take prescription medications to counteract cognitive and behavioral symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
    • Find support in the form of therapy, support groups, friends, or family to help develop coping mechanisms for cognitive and behavioral changes.
    • Address safety issues in the home by installing safety bars in the bathroom and shower, automatic shut-off switches on appliances, and reminders to lock the door.
    • Stay on top of co-existing conditions, working with your doctor to manage medical problems with the proper form of treatment.
    • Follow a healthy diet that supports brain health and function. Focus on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, natural sources of omega fatty acids, and foods high in fiber and protein.
    • Talk to your doctor about taking supplements to support memory and cognitive function. Options you might consider include caprylic acid, coenzyme Q10, ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

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    Five Early Signs Of Dementia: Recognizing Cognitive Decline

    According to the World Health Organization , around 50 million people are living with dementia and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed every year.

    While dementia affects each person in a different way depending upon the impact of the disease, the signs and symptoms of dementia can be understood in three phases: early stage, middle stage and late stage. In this article, we will be highlighting warning signs associated with dementia in the early stage.

    Signs Of Dementia In Dogs And What To Do About Them

    1 Early signs of dementia

    Dr. Julie Buzby

    Signs of dementia in dogs can be distressing to notice. After all, we want our grey-muzzled companions to be mentally sharp and happy for as long as possible in their golden years. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby takes an in-depth look at the five common signs of doggie dementia and explains how to help your dog with dementia keep living the good life.

    Recently, a longtime friend and client brought in his 10-year-old black Labrador Retriever, Dixie. I had known her since she was about three months old. Dixie pranced into the clinic with the same happy attitude that she is known for.

    However, Dixies dad looked very concerned. As I asked what was going on, Dixies dad started describing some changes he had noticed at home recently. His dear Labrador was no longer sleeping through the night. She was also barking more than normal and had started to show some aggression towards her brother, a small Terrier mix. It was very obvious that something was changing with his beloved dog.

    Finally, he looked up at me and said Dixie is doing things I never would have expected from her. Can dogs lose their memory? I looked back at him and told him, Yes, unfortunately dogs can develop dementia.

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    Know Your Risk And Reduce It

    The three most important risk factors for Alzheimer’s are age, family history, and genetics. Research has also found the following information:

    • Most individuals with Alzheimers disease are 65 and older.
    • One in nine people in that age group and nearly one-third of people aged 85 and older have Alzheimers.
    • People with a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimers are more likely to develop Alzheimers. The risk increases if multiple family members have the disease.
    • Scientists have determined certain genes make some people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. This is one risk factor and not a cause of Alzheimers.
    • Research also indicates that older Latinos and African-Americans are more at risk for Alzheimers and other dementia. The reasons are still unclear.

    The risk of developing dementia increases with conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels, like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also increase risk. Work with your doctor to manage and control these conditions.

    How To Recognize Early Dementia Signs And Prevent Memory Loss

    Many people refer to dementia as an actual disease, however, it is simply a group of symptoms that are associated with the decline in a persons reasoning, thinking, and ability to remember. Dementia can cause a person to have difficulty performing daily tasks and living independently, which makes it of the utmost importance to know the early dementia signs so help can be gotten as soon as possible. It can be difficult to determine if a bit of memory loss is directly related to dementia or just old age. Thankfully the earliest warning symptoms of dementia have now been discovered which will make this condition easier to detect.

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    Acting Out Of Character

    We all change as we move through life, but a clear warning sign of dementia is abrupt changes in your loved ones personality. Dementia can cause changes in the brain that affect the ability to know what is appropriate.Someone who has always been careful with their words may start saying whatever pops into their head. This can include often quite rude or sexually inappropriate comments. When your loved one is behaving out of character, it is often because of changes in the brain.

    What You Might Notice: Your mom has drilled into you since birth the importance of tact and politeness. Shes never spoken badly of anyone, but the last time you talked to her she said, Have you noticed how fat your sister has gotten?

    How You Can Help: Try not to get upset. This is the changes in your moms brain causing the inappropriate comments. Dont respond and change the subject to a more appropriate one.

    Disorientation To Time Or Place

    What are the Signs of Dementia in Common and How the ...

    When you suddenly wake up from deep sleep, its usually impossible to determine the location, day, and exact time right away. It is a phase of disorientation that quickly passes and you can get to know the above details.

    This is what a person with dementia may experience regularly. Only that the intensity of the disorientation is typically way worse.

    An individual may not be able to tell their location or why they are there. They may also not be able to figure out the current season. Some persons possibly will start believing they are much younger because they are oblivious of the passing time.

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