13 Early Signs That May Indicate Dementia

Dementia includes different types of memory and thinking problems that can seriously affect people and their families. This guide shares some surprising early signs of dementia, helping you understand and support those dealing with this tough situation.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss, particularly difficulty recalling recent events or forgetting important dates and appointments. This can be accompanied by repeatedly asking the same questions or becoming increasingly reliant on reminder notes or electronic devices.

• Losing track of recent conversations or instructions.
• Forgetting the names of people.
• Forgetting to off appliances after use.

2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

As dementia progresses, individuals may struggle with completing routine tasks they have been familiar with for years, such as cooking a favourite meal, operating household appliances, or following a familiar route. 

• Struggling to manage personal grooming, like brushing teeth.
• Mixing up steps in everyday tasks like making coffee or locking doors.
• Difficulty handling multiple-step activities, like assembling items.

3. Problems with Language

Dementia can affect an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. This may include difficulty finding the right words, struggling to follow or participate in conversations, or repeating phrases or stories within the same conversation.

• Substituting vague descriptions like “thing” for specific words.
• Losing the thread of what they’re saying mid-sentence.
• Struggling with writing or spelling basic words.

4. Disorientation to Time and Place

Individuals with dementia may become disoriented and lose track of dates, seasons, or even their current location. This can lead to worrying confusion and anxiety, especially in unfamiliar environments.

• Forgetting what day of the week it is.
• Arriving at familiar locations but not knowing why.
• Confusing night and day, often staying awake during the night.

5. Poor or Decreased Judgment

Dementia can impair an individual’s ability to make sound decisions, leading to poor judgment in various aspects of life, such as managing finances, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or engaging in unsafe behaviours.

• Oversharing personal information with strangers.
• Giving away money or possessions without reason.
• Neglecting personal hygiene or grooming habits.

6. Loss of Empathy

As dementia advances, people often may experience a drop in their ability to empathize with others, leading to changes in their social interactions and relationships.

• Laughing or smiling at inappropriate times.
• Failing to comfort someone who is visibly upset.
• Showing indifference to family events or milestones.

7. Misplacing Things

Frequently misplacing items in unusual places or accusing others of stealing belongings can be an early sign of dementia, as the condition can affect an individual’s ability to retrace their steps or recall where items were placed.

• Consistently losing the same item, like a phone or remote.
• Forgetting the location of parked cars or locked doors.
• Mixing up items’ locations, like putting socks in the fridge.

8. Eat Nonfood Objects

In some cases, individuals with dementia may exhibit unusual behaviours, such as eating non-food items, a condition known as pica. This can be a sign of advanced dementia and should be addressed promptly.

• Picking at or consuming small inedible objects like buttons or coins.
• Chewing on or ingesting paper or cloth materials.
• Having difficulty distinguishing between food and non-food items.

9. Changes in Personality

Dementia can cause significant changes in an individual’s personality, including mood swings, increased anxiety or depression, irritability, or even apathy towards activities they once enjoyed.

• Becoming suspicious or paranoid about others.
• Exhibiting inappropriate social behaviour, like being rude.
• Sudden bouts of anger or frustration in quiet situations.

10. Loss of Initiative

As dementia progresses, individuals may experience a loss of motivation or initiative, becoming increasingly passive or disinterested in starting or completing tasks.

• Not wanting to leave the house or participate in outdoor activities.
• Needing reminders to complete daily tasks, like feeding pets.
• Lacking enthusiasm for socializing, even with close friends.

11. Difficulty Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships

Dementia can impair an individual’s ability to perceive visual and spatial relationships, making it challenging to navigate familiar environments, read, or judge distances accurately.

• Struggling to interpret maps or directions.
• Difficulty identifying faces, even of familiar people.
• Misjudging steps or curbs, leading to tripping or falls.

12. Poor Managing Money

Individuals with dementia may struggle with managing finances, such as paying bills, balancing a chequebook, or making sound financial decisions.

• Forgetting passwords or PINs for bank accounts.
• Difficulty understanding basic financial statements or bills.
• Unaware of being overcharged or undercharged in transactions.

13. Avoid Work or Social Activities

As dementia progresses, individuals may start to withdraw from work or social activities they previously enjoyed, potentially due to embarrassment, confusion, or difficulty engaging in these activities.

• Skipping hobbies like reading or knitting due to lack of interest.
• Becoming anxious or uncomfortable in crowded places.
• Avoiding phone calls or online interactions due to confusion.

It’s important to note that the presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily indicate dementia; however, just consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Consulting Geriatric Doctors

After reading this, if you think your loved one or yourself experiencing any of the early signs of dementia, just consult a geriatric doctor, a medical professional specialized in the care of older persons. These healthcare providers are trained to recognize and diagnose dementia, as well as rule out other potential underlying conditions.

Seeking medical advice from a geriatric doctor is essential for several reasons:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Geriatric doctors have the expertise to conduct comprehensive evaluations, including cognitive assessments, physical examinations, and laboratory tests, to accurately diagnose the type of dementia and identify any underlying medical conditions.
• Early Intervention: Early diagnosis allows for prompt intervention, which can include medications, lifestyle modifications, and support services that may help slow the progression of dementia and improve quality of life.
• Personalized Care Plan: Geriatric doctors can develop a personalized care plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
• Access to Resources: Geriatric doctors can provide valuable guidance and connect individuals and their families with appropriate support services, educational resources, and community-based programs that can assist in managing dementia.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with geriatric doctors near you are essential for monitoring the progression of dementia, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and addressing any new challenges or concerns that may arise.

The Role of Home Visit Doctors in Dementia Care

As dementia progresses, individuals may experience difficulties leaving their homes or being transported to medical appointments. In such cases, home visit doctors can play a crucial role in providing comprehensive dementia care within the comfort and familiarity of the individual’s environment.

Home visit doctors are medical professionals who specialize in providing in-home medical services to individuals who are unable to easily access traditional healthcare settings. 

Services, including:

• Comprehensive Evaluations: Home visit doctors can conduct thorough assessments, including cognitive evaluations, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, to monitor the progression of dementia and identify any other underlying medical conditions.
• Medication Management: They can review and adjust medication regimens, ensuring that individuals with dementia receive appropriate treatment and monitoring for any potential side effects or interactions.
• Caregiver Support: They can provide valuable guidance and support to caregivers, addressing their concerns, offering practical advice, and connecting them with community resources and support services.
• Continuity of Care: By providing in-home care, home visit doctors can ensure continuity of care, minimizing disruptions and reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with medical appointments for individuals with dementia.

Essential Tips for Effective Dementia Care

Here are some essential tips for effective dementia care:

• Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment is crucial for individuals with dementia. This may involve making home modifications, such as installing grab bars, withdrawing tripping hazards, and ensuring proper lighting. Additionally, establishing a familiar and predictable routine.
• Establishing Routines: Individuals with dementia often thrive on routines, as they provide structure and familiarity in their daily lives. Establish consistent routines for activities such as waking up, mealtimes, and bedtime. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of comfort and security.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Communication goes hard as dementia progresses. To facilitate effective communication, use simple language, speak slowly and clearly, and provide visual cues or prompts when necessary. Additionally, maintain eye contact, be patient, and avoid criticizing or correcting the individual.
• Encouraging Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet: Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can help maintain overall health and potentially slow the progression of dementia. Do gentle exercises, such as walking or chair exercises, and ensure that the individual with dementia is receiving a balanced and appropriate diet.
• Mental Stimulation Activities: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Activities such as simple puzzles, reading something, listening to music, or participating in hobbies can provide mental stimulation and enjoyment for individuals with dementia.

In conclusion, dementia is a complex condition that can profoundly impact individuals and their families. By recognizing the crucial early signs and seeking prompt medical attention, you can take proactive steps towards effective dementia care. Consulting geriatrician near you and leveraging the services of home visit doctors can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout this journey.

Remember, effective dementia care is not just about managing the medical aspects of the condition but also about creating a supportive and compassionate environment. By implementing strategies such as establishing routines, facilitating effective communication, encouraging physical activity and mental stimulation, and ensuring a safe living space, you can enhance the quality of life for your loved one with dementia.