Dementia affects an individual’s cognitive ability, memory, ability to communicate, and reasoning in an adverse way, and these symptoms can be concerning for family members to witness. Because all of these situations can make it challenging to perform even normal everyday tasks, individuals in the beginning stages of dementia must be monitored carefully to ensure their health and safety. Recognizing dementia may mean noticing changes in eating habits, failure to properly take medications, or failing to address personal hygiene.

There is currently no known cure for dementia or cognitive decline, although some recent studies have been hopeful. There are some treatments that have been able to manage symptoms in some adults. Recognizing dementia early on may help to preserve and retain quality of life for as long as possible.

Recognizing Dementia – 6 Clues to Look For

Senior adults experience many changes as they grow older. While the symptoms described below may not definitively indicate the onset of dementia, any change of behavior should be noted in case the issues continue. Everyone is forgetful now and again, but family members may be concerned if behaviors begin to contradict lifelong personality traits.

Short-Term Loss of Memory: An increasing loss of short-term memory is a common early indicator of the onset of dementia. The behavioral changes may be nuanced at first, such as losing important possessions or trying to remember the name of someone close to them.
Mood Swings or Changes in Core Personality: If emotions and moods begin to fluctuate often, early-onset dementia may be the cause. While depression is common at this stage, you can take note of other uncharacteristic behaviors, such as a quiet person becoming very talkative or assertive. Dementia can also influence a person’s judgment, so the individual may begin to take risks they never would have before.
Struggling with Simple Tasks: An inability to perform everyday tasks may be an indication of early-onset dementia, and changes to routine may also become confusing or overwhelming when dementia is manifesting.
Confusion and Apathy: Specific emotional behaviors are associated with early-onset dementia, including disorientation, complacency, confusion, and apathy. Your senior loved one may decline to participate in a favorite pastime or pass on a weekly lunch with friends. Seeming confused as to where they are – or why they are there – is another common warning sign.
Loss of Words: One of the most discernible symptoms of dementia is the inability to “find the right words,” and therefore, struggling to carry on a normal conversation. Speaking with these individuals may become frustrating and necessitate a patient attitude. Someone with dementia may find it challenging to keep up in a conversation or may lose the plot line when watching a movie.
No Sense of Direction: Those in the early stages of dementia may get disoriented when exploring their own neighborhood or confused when walking to another room in their own home. Losing one’s sense of direction can become dangerous and result in “wandering” behaviors, an indication that constant supervision may be merited.
Compulsive Behavior: Some individuals begin to manifest repetitive behaviors, which may indicate compulsiveness or simple forgetfulness. Both may indicate a deterioration of cognitive ability.

As we indicated at the beginning of this article, everyone has moments that can look like the symptoms described. Caregivers or concerned family members should understand that recognizing dementia involves noticing patterns and behavioral changes. If you have any concerns or notice any changes, bring them to a medical professional. It may be appropriate to consider an alternative living arrangement such as a memory care center to keep your family member safe.

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