Early Warning Signs Of Dementia

Contrary to what some people might think, dementia is not a term that refers to a disease. It is actually a combination of symptoms which can be caused by other conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. Other common causes of this condition include brain damage as a result of a stroke or an injury, and other conditions such as Huntington’s disease. Just like with any other disease, it is always important to see your physician as soon as you start experiencing the early warning signs of dementia discussed below.

Memory Loss

There are natural changes to the brain that occur as you age which can lead to forgetfulness or mild loss of memory. So it is common for you to start forgetting things when you reach a certain age. However, if you notice that your memory loss has started to interfere with your everyday functioning, it could be a sign that you need to see your physician to discuss your symptoms.

Struggling to Communicate

If you find that you are having difficulties communicating your thoughts, it could be an early warning sign of dementia. Generally, it is not easy to talk with an elderly person who suffers from dementia because they will be finding it hard to explain things.

Mood Changes

Another common symptom associated with dementia is a change in your mood. This is one of those symptoms that you might find hard to recognize in yourself. However, people that surround you can easily tell that your mood is different. If you have a loved one who is starting to experience this symptom together with the other symptoms above, then you should have them talk to a doctor.

Apathy

People who suffer from dementia can also experience apathy. You should consider that maybe your loved one might have dementia if they are beginning to lose interest in things that they used to love doing such as various activities or hobbies.

These are just some of the early signs of dementia that you need to be aware of. It might not be easy for your elderly loved one to notice these symptoms. So if you recognize any of the symptoms, seek medical advice.