Dementia is a collective term for a group of symptoms that often present themselves as we age.
Of course, those who have dementia do not just go from being completely compos mentis to struggling with remembering and undergoing daily tasks, and there is usually a build-up of symptoms and signs that ultimately lead to a diagnosis later in life.
This piece will take a look at what these signs are so you know what to look for.
Confusion
Those who experience dementia will often start to show signs of confusion in the early stages right through to the end.
These little moments can start out small. They might forget how to make a cup of tea correctly or perhaps put items and belongings in the wrong drawers or cupboards. This in itself is not a complete sign of dementia, as confusion can be a symptom of many other issues, but it is an indication that something might not be right.
Poor Memory
Dementia is well known for including memory theft, whether it be short-term, long-term, or both. People will find that long-term memory seems to be safer than short-term memory when it comes to the effects of dementia, which is why you will find elderly people with the condition talking about their youth or other stories that happened years ago but might not remember your name.
Poor memory can really affect someone’s self-esteem and confidence in themselves, so if you notice your loved one struggling with recall, it will be worth going to see a medical professional for their opinion.
Mood Changes
Mood changes are another indicator that something might not be quite right. If your loved one is usually friendly and chatty but has become snappy, withdrawn, or irritable, you might find that these changes need a closer look at. You might also find that activities that your loved ones used to enjoy are no longer interesting to them, and they might exhibit signs of apathy.
It is worth noting that these mood changes alone could be a symptom of something different from dementia, and going to a medical professional will help determine the cause. If you find that your loved one needs specific care in a home, head over to Parc Provence senior living for more information.
Struggling to Follow Conversation
Struggling to follow a conversation can be a clear sign that something is wrong. While this can naturally happen in old age when everything moves a little too fast, and our cognitive ability slows down, not being able to grasp a conversation that you are having one on one is a red flag.
It is one thing to be watching others have an animated conversation that moves from topic to topic and not be able to follow what is happening fast enough. It is another to not be able to understand a conversation that someone is having directly with you. If you notice these symptoms in someone, then make sure to have them checked out as soon as possible to find the cause.
These are just a few signs of dementia that you should keep an eye out for, and if you are not sure, get it checked.
