Dementia is a chronic and usually permanent deterioration of cognition. The initial symptoms of dementia may be subtle and not noticeable for a number of years. Most of the time family members are able to identify early changes in their loved ones only in retrospect. Because each person is unique, dementia will affect people differently.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is a common early symptom of dementia, according to Alzheimer's Disease International. This type of short-term memory loss is different from ordinary forgetfulness. With memory loss associated with dementia, the person will not only forget the object but also how that object is associated with his life. For instance, he will forget not only the name of his neighbor but also that the individual is his neighbor. Individuals may respond to this loss of memory and skills with irritability, hostility or even agitation.
Judgment
A loss of judgment can also be an early sign of dementia, according to Northwestern University's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center (CNADC). People who suffer from dementia may become so immersed in an activity that they temporarily forget they are watching a child or cooking on the stove, or may wear several blouses or shirts at one time.
Disorientation
People who are suffering from dementia will also have progressive difficulty with confusion and getting lost, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. A person suffering from dementia may temporarily forget where she was traveling and become lost on her own street, unaware of how to get home.
Performing Tasks
An alarming symptom of dementia for family members is difficulty performing familiar tasks. According to the CNADC, an individual suffering from dementia may not remember how to tie his shoes or prepare a meal.
Abstract Thinking
Abstract thinking is the ability to separate a concrete object from the function it serves and the ability to generalize information from a specific situation. According to the CNADC, people who suffer from dementia can exhibit problems with balancing their checkbook and may even forget what the numbers mean.
Change in Personality
Alzheimer's Disease International counsels families that the personality of a loved one with dementia may appear to be different from his usual personality. The person suffering from dementia can become suspicious, irritable, depressed or anxious when experiencing situations that require memory or abstract thinking.
Loss of Initiative
At times, everyone can become tired of their daily tasks, including housework, business activities or social obligations. However, according to Alzheimer's Disease International, a person with dementia will appear to lose interest in everything with which she once found pleasure. She may spend hours in front of the television, sleep more than usual or lose interest in her hobbies.
