Early signs of dementia

When it comes to dementia, it is always a good idea to seek care when you first notice signs. Here are early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia that may be important to keep an eye on.

Everyone forgets things sometimes, and memory can fail anyone from time to time. There are many different reasons for this, and in the vast majority of cases it is nothing to worry about.

However, if it starts to affect your life so much that it makes daily tasks difficult, it may be time to seek help. That said, memory problems do not necessarily have to be due to dementia. Stress, trauma, ageing, alcohol and drugs can also be the cause.

Early symptoms of dementia

Globally, there are over 55 million people living with dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. It is a disease that affects the entire family, and it is often tough to get a diagnosis. But the earlier you can get help, the better.

Early signs may include repeating questions, forgetting words, misplacing things in odd places, or getting lost, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the early symptoms to look out for include:

Memory gets worse:

You may have difficulty finding the right words when speaking
You forget names, repeat yourself, and lose things.
You may also have difficulty finding your way around.
It is often short-term memory that is affected, which makes it difficult for you to remember things that happened recently.

Old man smiling. Credit / Shutterstock — Credit: Shutterstock.

Your personality changes, and you may become less interested in things you used to enjoy. Taking initiative may become more difficult, and you may experience difficult feelings such as anxiety, depression, or irritability.

When to seek medical attention

If you suspect you have dementia, it is always best to contact a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is always good to seek help in good time, and even if the memory loss is due to something else, it can be good to get advice and help.

You can contact the health guide or your health center to learn more about when and where you can get help. An early diagnosis makes it possible to receive treatment, plan for the future and receive support.