One of the most common early signs is the problem remembering recent events and details. However, the signs of dementia are often subtle. In some cases it may not be obvious until the symptoms become more regular and problematic.
Trouble Remembering Things That Adversely Affect Daily Normal Routines
It’s to forget a phone number. It’s also normal to occasionally forget an appointment. But, the person with dementia has those episodes of forgetfulness more often than can be considered normal. It becomes so frequent that it affects one’s daily activities.
Difficulty Completing Tasks That Were Familiar And Easy
Imagine an individual who is used to preparing dinner. She’s done this for her family for years. But, she may completely forget about making dinner, or she may be unable to recall the steps involved in cooking a familiar dish.
Getting Confused With Date, Time And Place
Sometimes we need a few seconds to recall a particular day or the directions to a specific place. However, for someone with dementia this can become a frequent and even distressing occurrence. They’re are at a higher risk of getting lost because they can have trouble finding their way back. They may also frequently find themselves confused about where they are.
Forgetting Familiar Words
People with dementia may have difficulty finding the right words. They may use incorrect words in sentences. Listeners can find them difficult to understand. Dementia patients can also find it difficult to follow a conversation at a normal speech rate.
Trouble Relating Abstract Thought To Real Life
We all have our issues with numbers. Some people do not know how to calculate percentages. Others have problems understanding the concept of inflation rate or value added taxes. But, for a dementia patient, the simplest relationships between numbers can become incomprehensible.
Reduced Ability To Make Accurate Judgments
We all make judgments throughout the course of a day. When we’re driving, we make judgments regarding the distance from one place to another. But, dementia will make this too difficult to do, no matter how long the driving history.
Misplacing Things Can Become A Daily Occurrence
Sometimes we’re in such a rush that we forget the car keys. That can be a daily occurrence for a person with dementia. Besides car keys, dementia patients may also forget where they put their wallet. They tend to misplace things. So, don’t be surprised to see a wallet in your freezer if you have a family member with dementia.
Changes In Attitude Or Behavior
Someone with dementia may exhibit extreme mood swings, from being sad one minute, irritable the next. The next day they may become suspicious, and then withdrawn and confused. The behavioral changes of a dementia patient can be random and unpredictable. These changes in behavior occur without apparent reason or pattern.
Lost Interest In Activities That Used To Be Favorites
Anyone can lose interest in doing particular activities. The following week they find themselves happily doing it again. However, dementia sufferers can lose interest, and forget the joy, in a previously enjoyed activity. They may never find the heart to do the same thing again.
