Interim HealthCare of

St. Louis South

How Can I Recognize Early Signs of Dementia?

Spotting early signs of dementia is crucial for maximizing the benefits of available and experimental treatments that may improve or delay the progression of memory issues. Dementia refers to a range of conditions affecting thinking and social skills, leading to memory problems and confusion that disrupt daily life. Unfortunately, it’s a common disorder, impacting millions worldwide.

Understanding dementia's symptoms and early warning signs can help you identify potential issues before they become serious.

Symptoms of Dementia

Recognizing the symptoms of dementia can help you spot early warning signs in yourself or loved ones. While symptoms often worsen gradually, most cases exhibit at least two of the common signs listed below:

• Significant memory loss
• Difficulty with communication and speech
• Inability to focus or impaired attention
• Loss of reasoning abilities
• Poor decision-making
• Problems with vision and visual perception

Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Recent studies have identified early signs of dementia that can appear before more serious symptoms. Early detection is key to taking preventative measures that could delay dementia’s onset or reduce its severity. Watch for these early warning signs:

• Memory Issues: Occasional forgetfulness is normal with age, but memory problems that disrupt your routine—especially related to recent events—could be a sign of dementia. Increased reliance on memory aids is another warning sign.

• Confusion or Difficulty with Daily Tasks: While occasional confusion happens to everyone, persistent confusion affecting your ability to recognize the day or time, complete routine tasks, or interpret visual cues could indicate dementia. Difficulty navigating familiar places, losing track of time, or trouble judging distances may also be early signs.

• Changes in Personality and Mood: Fluctuations in mood and personality can sometimes signal early dementia. New or worsening anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or fearfulness may suggest underlying memory issues and an increased risk of dementia.

By identifying these symptoms and early warning signs, you can monitor memory and cognitive health more effectively. This will also help to create an effective dementia care plan for your loved one. If you notice new or worsening issues with memory, confusion, or mood, consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether these changes are benign or indicative of a more serious condition requiring further attention.