Early signs of dementia can often be mistaken for normal aging. We all expect to become more forgetful occasionally or process things more slowly. But there are early, subtle signs of dementia that can be spotted if you know what to look for.
Dementia is a broad term as it is an umbrella catchall for cognitive abilities declining. It can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. It currently impacts more than 55 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to triple by 2050 as almost 10 million new cases are diagnosed yearly.
There is no cure for dementia. However, early diagnoses and treatment can help manage it and prevent the condition from worsening.
One early sign of aging is frequently forgetting common words. People experiencing the symptom may pause in the middle of speaking or replace the missing word with fills like “the thing.” While we all occasionally forget words, constantly grappling for normal words can be a worrying sign.
Misplacing items in unusual places and then not being able to retrace where they got to can also be an early sign of dementia. Many people have put their car keys in the fridge while putting away the groceries. However, if a person can’t retrace their steps to find their keys, that could be a bad sign. People may also accuse folks of stealing after misplacing things. If jewelry ends up in the kitchen drawer instead of a jewelry box, it might not be a sign of forgetfulness but of something more serious.
Withdrawing from social activities that a person enjoyed can be a bad sign. Sometimes social butterflies stop attending parties as they age, not because they don’t like them but because they are mentally overwhelming or they are concerned about remembering people’s names or other problems. People who were never as outgoing may start to avoid hobbies, family dinners or even phone calls as a way to hide or ignore memory issues.
People with dementia may also make poor financial choices. That could include unusual purchases, falling victim to scams or forgetting to pay bills. The problem should be addressed problem not just for a person’s health but for their financial well-being.
Finally, shifts in mood or personality can be a symptom. If someone is uncharacteristically anxious, fearful or suspicious it could be a sign. They could also be angry or irritable over small things that wouldn’t usually set them off. While our temperament and stress can change our behavior, persistent temperament shifts might be a sign of something larger.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these things, it’s essential to seek out a doctor to be tested. An early diagnosis means earlier management and higher quality of life.
In June, the FDA approved a blood test for Alzheimer’s that can help diagnose the disease earlier than ever. The standard diagnostic tool is verbal memory screenings, and it’s important to advocate for yourself or your loved one.
“Even though 97 percent of primary care doctors believe memory screenings are important, they often don’t have time to do one unless it’s brought up by the patient or a family member,” said neurologist Dr. Gregory Ferenz.
