Identifying Early Symptoms: The First Signs Of Dementia
According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Dementia is a condition that can affect a person’s memory, cognition, and communication. While it currently has no cure, knowing its early warning signs may be useful for getting proper treatment and improving quality of life. Below, we’ll take a closer look at early dementia symptoms and what steps to take if you notice them in yourself or a loved one.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a category of conditions that cause changes in memory, mood, thinking, and daily functioning. While dementia is often associated with the elderly, it can also sometimes happen in younger people.
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
There are several different types of dementia, including the following:
Alzheimer’s disease: The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be the result of a buildup of plaque in the brain.
Vascular dementia: Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by problems with blood flow to the brain, such as strokes and blood clots.
Lewy body dementia: Lewy body dementia is caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins, called “Lewy bodies,” in the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia: This form of dementia is caused by damage to neurons in the brain’s frontal lobe and temporal lobe.
The effects of dementia
These conditions can have significant effects. Over time, a person with dementia may lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed. They may also have trouble recognizing their loved ones, have difficulty remembering information, or act inappropriately. It can be common for later-stage dementia patients to forget simple words, become unaware of their environment, or be unable to do daily tasks.
As the disease progresses, people with dementia may have a hard time looking after their own health. As a result, they may require full-time help with tasks like eating, bathing, and using the bathroom.
The first signs of dementia
Dementia is a progressive condition. This means that its symptoms tend to get worse with time. People in the early stages of illness may notice minor changes in their memory, mood, or communication skills. These can sometimes be easy to mistake for age-related forgetfulness, which can be natural.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia may include:
Minor memory loss: In the early stages of dementia, people may experience lapses in memory. These are often minor but can still affect daily life. For example, someone might occasionally forget appointments or have trouble finding items they often use.
Changes in communication: Challenges with language can also be an early warning sign. Some examples may include difficulty remembering the right word for something or not following conversations.
Trouble with decision-making: People in an early stage of dementia may experience difficulty taking initiative or making decisions. They may show poor judgment with money or have trouble planning ahead and solving problems.
Changes in mood and personality: Dementia can often lead to changes in mood, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. People with early-stage dementia may become easily upset or suspicious of others. They may also withdraw from social interactions.
Changes in thinking: Early-stage dementia may cause changes in the ways people think and behave in daily life. People may lose interest in their hobbies or experience difficulty with familiar tasks.
Visual challenges: Dementia can affect the ways the brain processes visual information. As a result, people may find it harder to gauge distance, move around, or interact with their environment. This can lead to challenges with driving and may increase the risk of falls and accidents.
Not everyone with early-stage dementia may experience all of these symptoms. However, being aware of these common examples may make them easier to recognize.
What should I do if I notice early symptoms of dementia?
Now that you’re familiar with the early warning signs of dementia, you might wonder what to do if you notice them, either in yourself or in someone else.
Speak to a doctor upon noticing the first signs of dementia
You might start by speaking to a doctor. While the symptoms you’ve noticed may be distressing, it’s possible they’re being caused by something else. Several other conditions may mimic some symptoms of dementia, including memory problems or mood changes.
Know the other conditions that cause memory loss
Thyroid conditions
Vitamin deficiencies
Problems with hearing or eyesight
COVID-19
A urinary tract infection
Sleep conditions, like sleep apnea
Major depressive disorder
Have yourself checked for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease also causes memory loss, particularly in older adults. Several factors, including genetic predisposition and aging influence this cognitive decline. If one or some of your blood relatives have had Alzheimer's, your risk of developing one could be high. So, make sure to get the necessary check-up to understand what's causing your memory loss.
Seek support for memory problems
It’s hard to recognize the symptoms of dementia. Some people find themselves in denial of memory problems due to fear of the diagnosis and its implications. But this shouldn’t hinder you from getting proper treatment. Seek support from your friends and family, or any trusted person. They will help you get through the struggles that come with having dementia.
How can a person with dementia address memory loss?
Talking to a healthcare provider is often the first step toward figuring out what’s causing your symptoms. If early-stage dementia does turn out to be behind them, an early diagnosis may allow you or your loved one to start treatments to reduce symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Tips to slow memory loss
Engage in physical activity
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
Reduce alcohol intake
Manage hearing or vision loss
Treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar
Treating memory problems in early-stage dementia
Certain types of therapy may also be helpful for people with early-stage dementia. Therapies like cognitive stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation may help sharpen memory, attention, and communication skills. If you’re concerned about developing dementia in the future, treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may also help you explore your concerns in a safe setting and form a healthier relationship with your thoughts.
Online therapy for caregivers of people with dementia
Finding time for therapy can be challenging, especially if you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who is. In these situations, online therapy may be more feasible, as you can connect with a therapist from anywhere via audio, video, or live chat. Platforms like BetterHelp may make this process easier. With online therapy at BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist based on your needs and preferences and change providers at any time, for no extra cost.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can be common among caregivers of people with dementia. Studies show that online therapy may be useful for caregivers. A 2015 study evaluated caregivers of people with dementia, most of them family members. Participants received either minimal support or an online, psychologist-supported program. The online treatment led to significantly lower symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Takeaway
Dementia is a category of illnesses that can lead to memory loss, trouble communicating, and challenges completing daily tasks. Early-stage dementia often causes minor but noticeable changes in memory, mood, cognition, and decision-making. For example, people with early dementia may have trouble remembering someone’s name, staying organized, managing finances, and planning ahead. While dementia can’t be cured, it may be possible to manage symptoms and improve well-being with proper care.
If you notice dementia symptoms in yourself or a loved one, talking to a doctor may be the first step toward finding the right treatment plan. It may also help to speak with a licensed therapist, whether in person or online. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who understands the challenges that families experience when navigating dementia symptoms. Take the first step toward getting support with dementia and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does dementia usually start?
Dementia typically starts after the age of 65, although early-stage dementia can occur in people in their 40s or 50s.
How early can dementia be detected?
Dementia can often be detected several years before noticeable symptoms appear. If you notice some early signs and symptoms of dementia, go to your doctor to check if these symptoms are associated with dementia. Note that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to dementia.
What is the first indicator of dementia?
The first indicator of dementia is usually subtle memory loss, particularly forgetting recent events or conversations.
What are the symptoms of early-stage dementia?
Stage 1 dementia often involves mild cognitive impairment, where you may experience slight memory lapses but still retain independence and can function normally in daily activities.
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