Obtaining an early diagnosis for dementia is crucial for effective treatment and management. However, the early warning signs are often misunderstood or overlooked, as they may not immediately appear related to memory issues.
A significant indication could be a noticeable increase in indecisiveness, particularly during routine activities like shopping. While some indecisiveness is normal with aging, if it starts to significantly impact daily life, it could be a red flag for dementia.
Experts also highlight difficulties with concentration-based tasks, such as following instructions or making decisions, as an early sign of dementia. Individuals may struggle with simple activities like cooking, navigating familiar routes, or managing work tasks.
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Misinterpreting visual signals is another lesser-known symptom to look out for. This can lead to confusion with shadows, reflections, and spatial perception, causing frustration and disrupting daily functioning.
Personality changes, including altered language use, heightened frustration, or changes in preferences, can also indicate early-stage dementia. These changes may not align with the person’s established behaviors and beliefs.
Furthermore, memory issues encompass more than just forgetfulness. Difficulties in finding the right words, losing track of time, misplacing items, and forgetting important dates are common indicators. Extreme forgetfulness, like placing items in unusual locations without recollection, can also be a sign.
If these signs are observed in a loved one, seeking professional evaluation is advised. While some degree of forgetfulness is normal with aging, multiple and persistent symptoms warrant a thorough assessment for dementia.
New research highlights that a lack of awareness often leads people to dismiss early dementia symptoms as typical effects of aging. Care UK has re-launched the Big Dementia Conversation, an online resource with real-life advice and a free helpline, to address this gap in awareness.