Dementia is the term used to describe deteriorating cognitive brain function. Dementia is commonly associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease but can be caused by various conditions or even injury. Depending on the cause, some conditions may result in permanent dementia, while others may be reversible. Early indications of dementia may be difficult to recognize or even be misdiagnosed. The symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Mood and Personality Changes
Often mood and personality changes are first noticed by the individual's family and friends in early dementia. Depending on the degree of variation from the individual's normal temperament, this change may go unnoticed for a long period of time and be attributed to a stressful event or other cause. The individual may become increasingly angry, depressed or irritable. In contrast, some sufferers with dementia take on a laissez-faire attitude that may normally be out of character for them.
Memory Loss
The individual himself may first notice a loss of memory. He might often forget things that were very familiar to him. Others may notice repetition in the individual's conversation or the individual asking the same question repeatedly. Those with new onset dementia may also forget simple words or the spelling of simple words. Some level of occasional memory loss is normal for most individuals and may not be an indication of a more serious problem.
Behavior Changes
In addition, the individual with new onset dementia may exhibit behavioral changes. Examples of these types of changes include misplacing common items like keys and personal effects, disorientation to time and place and forgetting how to perform simple cognitive tasks such as balancing a checkbook. Sufferers may become lost or lose track of time. It is common for anyone to occasionally suffer misplacing items; however, if the behavior begins to negatively affect the individual's daily life, it would be wise to discuss symptoms with a medical professional.
Other Signs
Another less obvious sign of early dementia is a change in social behavior. The individual may become withdrawn and passive in social situations. This may be due to feelings of self-consciousness about her newly acquired symptoms. The individual may also show a lack of interest in activities that would normally be stimulating to her.
