Dementia is not a single condition. Rather, dementia is a general phrase that designates a range of symptoms. These signs could impair a person’s memory, interpersonal communication skills, cognitive abilities, and information processing. As per the World Health Organization, over 55 million individuals struggle with dementia, and over new cases are diagnosed yearly. While the symptoms of dementia Falls Church could vary depending on the inherent concern, there are several key warning signs of this disease. Continue reading to learn more.
1) Minor Short-Term Memory Problems
Dementia’s early signs could include memory problems. The changes frequently involve short-term memory and are modest. Individuals with dementia can recall things that happened in the past, but not what they ate for breakfast.
Other short-term memory problems an individual might exhibit include:
§ Forgetting where they put things
§ Having trouble recalling why they went to a specific room
§ Forgetting what they were scheduled to do that day
2) Mood Changes
Mood changes are also frequent with dementia. For persons with dementia, it could be difficult for them to identify they have mood shifts, but you might identify this issue in other people. Depression, for example, is prevalent in the initial phases of dementia.
A person with dementia may sometimes appear more worried or afraid than before. Dementia patients could also become quickly agitated if their normal schedule is altered or they find themselves in unexpected surroundings.
Alongside mood changes, you may also experience a personality shift. Standard personality changes associated with dementia include transitioning from shyness or introversion to extroversion.
3) Trouble Finding The Correct Words
Another early warning sign of dementia is trouble communicating thoughts. Dementia patients might struggle to articulate concepts or find the appropriate words to communicate effectively. Additionally, these persons can pause mid-sentence and be unsure how to proceed.
It can be difficult to discuss with someone suffering from dementia. Likewise, it might take dementia patients longer than normal to articulate their feelings or views.
4) Poor Judgment
Another effect of cognitive deterioration is the loss of decision-making capacity. For instance, a dementia patient might be unable to notice risky situations. Patients may attempt to cross a busy road without stopping until it is clear, or they could venture outside wearing summer attire while it is snowing.
Another characteristic of dementia-related impaired judgment is the inability to exercise sound financial judgment. Somebody who is generally economical might begin to give money to strangers or projects they are unfamiliar with.
5) Confusion
A person in the initial phases of dementia might frequently experience confusion. Patients could have difficulty recalling faces, understanding the date or month, or determining their location.
Confusion could arise for various reasons and under various circumstances. For instance, people might misplace their wallet and keys, forget what happens next during the day, or struggle to recall a recent encounter.
Dementia can hugely affect your everyday activities and life quality. Therefore, if you begin noticing you or your dear one struggling with any of these concerns, you should seek help. Although there is no cure for dementia, your specialist at Integrated Neurology Services can recommend therapy and medication to manage your symptoms. Call the office near you or book an appointment online to arrange an appointment today.
