{"id":1132,"date":"2017-12-19T08:28:56","date_gmt":"2017-12-19T08:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2021-07-15T14:05:06","modified_gmt":"2021-07-15T14:05:06","slug":"12-signs-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/12-signs-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Signs of Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Dementia symptoms can be frustrating for the sufferer and his or her family, and they can be an early sign of Alzheimer\u2019s. What is dementia? It happens to some people as they get older. It\u2019s a gradual loss of cognitive functioning – recalling, thinking, and focusing. The symptoms are severe enough that they interfere with someone\u2019s daily functioning and ability to live a normal life.<\/p>\n

The symptoms are sometimes very mild, but they can become very severe. When our brain\u2019s health neurons stop functioning correctly, we start to see signs of dementia. While everyone has some neuronal loss as they age, those with dementia have a lot more of it. Up to 50% of all individuals age 85 or over may have some type of dementia. Still, doctors say it is not a normal part of the aging process. There are many people who live well into their 90s without any dementia at all. This disease can have an effect on the mind, emotions, personality, and thought processes. It\u2019s important to eat a healthy diet throughout life, exercise your brain, and exercise your body regularly to help prevent it. Let\u2019s look at the top 12 signs of dementia.<\/p>\n

1. Difficulty finding words<\/h3>\n

If you find that you or a loved one is having difficulty finding the right words to use to describe something, it could be an early warning sign of dementia<\/a>. This degenerative condition impairs the memory, which can make it difficult to recall basic information, such as words. For example, you might have a hard time remembering everyday words, such as \u201ckeys\u201d, \u201cmilk\u201d or \u201cfire truck\u201d. This can make it difficult to have a meaningful conversation or to simply explain something to someone else. Often, conversations become mumbled or drawn out as the person tries to recall words.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Short term memory loss<\/h3>\n

One of the most obvious early warning signs of dementia is an impairment of short term memory.<\/p>\n

At first, the loss of short term memory is pretty subtle; for instance, the person may be able to very clearly remember something that happened a few years ago, but won\u2019t be able to remember where he or she placed a set of keys or the last time he or she ate a meal.<\/p>\n

This is because dementia impacts the neurons<\/a>, which have a direct impact on memory. Over time, memory loss will become more noticeable and more severe.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Increased fatigue<\/h3>\n

Often, patients who have early on-set dementia feel as if they are more tired than usual and appear to be almost lethargic<\/a> in nature. For example, a person with dementia may not have the energy to complete everyday tasks or may lose interest in doing things that he or she once loved.<\/p>\n

Likewise, the individual may become very physically tasked after completing a simple activity, such as taking a shower or going grocery shopping.<\/p>\n

Again, this is because of the impact this disease has on the neurons in the brain, which can impact interest and energy levels.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Changes in mood<\/h3>\n

Yet another classic early warning sign of dementia is a distinct change in the mood. For instance, a person with early-onset dementia who is normally upbeat and happy may suddenly seem depressed or could have a sudden bout of extreme anger and rage that passes quickly.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, it could also make someone who is usually reserved to become more outgoing and upbeat.<\/p>\n

In either case, if you notice that you or someone you love is experiencing mood swings<\/a> for no apparent reason, it\u2019s a good idea to see a doctor determine the cause.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Having a tough time with ordinary tasks<\/h3>\n

Yet another classic early symptom of dementia is difficulty completing ordinary tasks that he or she has been doing for years. For instance, driving may become a challenge, the laundry may start piling up, and other normal, everyday chores may become difficult to complete.<\/p>\n

Again, this is the result of the way dementia affects the neurons in the brain<\/a>. As the condition worsens, it will become more and more difficult for the patient to complete even more common everyday tasks, such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating; things that can lead to serious problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Hard time-solving problems<\/h3>\n

In the beginning stages of dementia<\/a>, many patients find that it becomes difficult to solve relatively simple problems.<\/p>\n

For example, a person may not be able to figure out how to open up a jar, or how to make a sandwich or follow directions that have been clearly written out.<\/p>\n

It becomes hard for dementia patients to solve such seemingly simple problems because the problem-solving part of their brain has become impaired by this condition. As the condition advances, it will become even harder for the patient to solve even simpler problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Difficulty recalling people<\/h3>\n

For many patients who are developing dementia, it becomes difficult to recall the names of people that they are familiar with.<\/p>\n

For instance, a patient might forget the name of his child or grandchild. Once again, this is because of the impact that this degenerative condition has on the neurons in the brain that aid in memory<\/a> recall. As such, if you are being affected by dementia, you may draw a blank when it comes to remembering someone\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a loved one, she may not be able to remember what your name is.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Difficult recalling faces<\/h3>\n

Even more troubling is when dementia patients start having a difficult time recalling faces.<\/p>\n

It is very common for people who are afflicted with this condition to completely forget someone that they are very familiar with. For example, your mother might not remember who you are, or you might find that you have no idea that the person who is talking to you is your daughter.<\/p>\n

When this happens, it can be quite scary, depressing, and overwhelming. Usually, this symptom<\/a> occurs with advanced dementia.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there isn\u2019t much that can be done to help correct this problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Difficulty recognizing locations<\/h3>\n

Another common sign of dementia<\/a> is the inability to recall locations. Often, patients find that they don\u2019t know where they are, even though they are in a place that is very familiar to them, such as their home or the home of a loved one.<\/p>\n

Moreover, while they might recall and know where they are, they might not be able to remember how they got there or why they are there.<\/p>\n

This is another very troubling side effect of dementia, as patients can often wander off, become lost, or are frightened because they don\u2019t know where they are.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Difficulty with writing<\/h3>\n

Just like someone who has dementia may not be able to find the right words when they are speaking, they might not be able to find the right words when they are writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As such, they may start writing down a note or a list and forget what it was that they were writing. Or, handwriting that was once clear and easy to read may become very illegible and appear like \u201cchicken scratch\u201d.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, because of the difficulty the person is having with writing, they become very agitated whenever it comes to trying to write something out.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Repetitive speech<\/h3>\n

Another sign that could indicate early on-set dementia is repetitiveness. It isn\u2019t unusual for even healthy people who have no memory impairment whatsoever to repeat themselves from time to time; however, increased repetitiveness, such as saying the same thing over and over again in a short period of time, or asking a question that was just answered moments before are things that are frequently occurring, it could be a sign that the early stages of dementia have set in.<\/p>\n

Being repetitive is directly related to short term memory loss<\/a>, as the person may not remember what was said earlier.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Lack of personal care<\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, an early warning sign of dementia is an inability to complete everyday tasks. As time goes on and the condition progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for dementia patients to complete seemingly ordinary tasks that don\u2019t require much thought for someone in good health; showering, eating, changing clothing, etc.<\/p>\n

If you notice that a loved one who once took great pride in her appearance seems to be lacking in regard to personal care, or if you notice that he or she is losing weight<\/a> for no apparent reason, dementia could be to blame.<\/p>\n\r\n

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