10 Early Signs of Dementia That Americans Ignore All the Time
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects millions of Americans, often going unnoticed in its early stages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia is not a single disease but a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Recognizing the warning signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. Here are 10 symptoms that Americans frequently overlook, along with credible sources for further information.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
While minor memory lapses, like forgetting names or appointments occasionally, are normal, significant memory loss that affects daily life is not. People with dementia often forget recently learned information or ask for the same details repeatedly. According to the Mayo Clinic, memory loss is one of the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Dementia can make it challenging for individuals to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may find it difficult to keep track of monthly bills or follow a recipe they have used for years. The CDC warns that this symptom is often dismissed as normal aging, but persistent difficulty should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
3. Confusion with Time or Place
People with dementia often lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may not recognize where they are or how they got there. This confusion is not typical and should be discussed with a healthcare provider if it becomes frequent. The CDC points out that such confusion can lead to getting lost in familiar areas.
4. Difficulty Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships
Changes in vision, such as difficulty reading, judging distances, or distinguishing color, can be an early sign of dementia. This can lead to increased falls or difficulty navigating spaces. Vision problems caused by dementia go beyond typical age-related vision loss, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
5. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
People with dementia may have trouble following or joining conversations. They may stop in the middle of a conversation, repeat themselves, or struggle to find the right words. These difficulties differ from occasionally forgetting a word and should be evaluated by a professional. The National Institute on Aging highlights that language problems are a major indicator of cognitive decline.
6. Misplacing Items and Being Unable to Retrace Steps
It’s common to lose track of keys or glasses, but putting items in unusual places, like placing keys in the refrigerator, and being unable to retrace steps to find them again is a more concerning sign. People with dementia may also accuse others of stealing lost items. The Alzheimer’s Association advises that this behavior should not be overlooked.
7. Poor Judgment
People with dementia may experience a decline in judgment or decision-making. This could be reflected in poor financial decisions or giving large sums of money to telemarketers. They might neglect personal hygiene or wear clothes unsuitable for the weather. The Mayo Clinic recommends that any drastic change in judgment be taken seriously.
8. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
A person with dementia may begin to withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or work projects. They may find it hard to keep up with a favorite sports team or avoid social gatherings. This symptom often stems from difficulties in keeping up with conversations or recalling how to perform once-familiar activities, according to the National Institute on Aging.
9. Changes in Mood and Personality
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other personality changes are common in dementia. People may become confused, suspicious, or fearful. They may also be easily upset when out of their comfort zone. The CDC recommends that these changes be evaluated, especially if they represent a drastic departure from an individual’s usual behavior.
10. Increased Suspicion and Delusions
Increased suspicion or delusions are not uncommon in dementia patients. They may believe that their caregivers are stealing from them or that people around them are not who they claim to be. The Alzheimer’s Association mentions that these symptoms can be frightening and disorienting, leading to further isolation.
Conclusion
Recognizing these early signs of dementia is critical for seeking timely medical advice and developing a care plan. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
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READ: Peanut Allergies on the Rise: What Every Parent Needs to Know
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READ: Colorectal Cancer Rising Among Millennials and Gen Z: 5 Essential Ways to Protect Yourself
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