Dementia is not a disease, but a series of symptoms that may include loss of cognitive function and changes in personality, mood or behavior. People who experience early signs of dementia may fear irreversible mental decline. In fact, depression, certain medications and other physical ailments produce similar symptoms. Consultation with a qualified health care professional for a medical evaluation can help to determine the cause of your symptoms. With early diagnosis, treatment to eliminate or slow the progression of cognitive decline is more likely to be successful.
Decreased Judgement/Problem-Solving Skills
People with mild cognitive decline may have difficulty handling changes in plans or unexpected events. Hiring contractors for unnecessary repairs, dressing inappropriately for weather conditions or buying unneeded items are typical examples of a person's inability to solve everyday problems.
Complex Task Completion
According to the United States Department of Health and Services, difficulty executing complex chores generally precedes problems with less challenging activities. Bill paying, balancing the check book or preparing a complete meal are potentially challenging tasks.
Communicaton Problems
People in the early stages of dementia may experience difficulty with verbal communication. Pausing in the middle of a sentence and relying on a descriptive phrase or substitution with an unusual word are frequent coping mechanisms.
Misplacing Items/Memory Loss
Putting items in unusual places and making excuses for the behavior may be an indicator of the onset of dementia. A classic sign of early stage dementia is the gradual loss of short-term memory. The Mayo Clinic says trouble learning and remembering new information, forgetting appointments or failing to refill and take prescribed medications may be evidence of mild cognitive impairment.
Difficulty Completing Tasks
The inability to remember the rules of favorite games, how to operate kitchen appliances or follow a recipe may be signs of increasing memory loss, and are typical common signs of early dementia.
Impaired Visual/Spatial Perception
Trouble judging distances or interpreting colors, shapes and forms increases the likelihood of becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings. The National Institute of Aging warns people with impaired visual and spatial processing t avoid driving.
Confusion
When a person with dementia has difficulty paying attention, it becomes more difficult to track conversations or discuss current events. Withdrawing from social interaction, losing initiative or abandoning hobbies may be adaptive measures that indicate developing confusion.
Mood or Personality Changes
Subtle changes in personality can be one of the first signs of dementia. If a person begins to display uncharacteristic mood swings, irritability or sudden fear of strangers, counseling may be appropriate. However, neuropsychologist, Katherine P. Rankin, PhD reports on Neuro Psychiatry Reviews that an evaluation for dementia should also be performed.
References
- The American Family Physician: Early Diagnosis of Dementia
- U.S. Department of Health and Services: Early Alzheimer's Disease, Patient and Family Guide
- MayoClinic: Mild Cognitive Impairment, Symptoms
- National Institute of Aging: Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease
- Neuro Psychiatry Reviews: The Neuroanatomy of Personality
