Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be crucial for timely intervention, planning, and receiving the right care. At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we emphasize that with early diagnosis and appropriate clinical neurological rehabilitation, individuals experiencing cognitive decline can benefit significantly from tailored therapeutic support. If you or someone you know may be showing any of the signs listed below, reaching out for a professional assessment can be a helpful first step.
1. Memory Loss Disrupting Daily Life
Forgetting recently learned information or important dates and events can be early signs of dementia. People may rely increasingly on reminders or loved ones for tasks they used to manage independently.
Typical Age-Related Change: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in Planning or Problem-Solving
Some may struggle to develop and follow plans, particularly those involving numbers. For instance, they may have difficulty following a recipe or keeping up with bills, which can interfere with daily life.
Typical Age-Related Change: Making occasional errors when balancing a chequebook.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
People with dementia may struggle to complete routine tasks, like driving to a familiar place or managing work budgets. Even recreational activities they once enjoyed might become more confusing or overwhelming.
Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes needing help with new technology settings, like a microwave or TV.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, and even the passage of time is common among those with dementia. People may forget how they got somewhere or feel disoriented even in familiar settings.
Typical Age-Related Change: Occasionally getting confused about the day of the week but remembering it later.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
Vision problems can sometimes signal dementia. Those affected may struggle with reading, judging distances, or even differentiating colours and contrasts, which can impair driving.
Typical Age-Related Change: Vision changes due to aging, like cataracts.
6. New Issues with Words in Speaking or Writing
People with dementia might find it difficult to follow or join in conversations. They may pause and forget what they were saying or repeat themselves. Finding the right words may also be challenging, leading to frustration.
Typical Age-Related Change: Occasionally having trouble finding the right word.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Frequently putting things in unusual places and struggling to backtrack to find them can be concerning. Sometimes, individuals with dementia may even accuse others of taking items they mislaid.
Typical Age-Related Change: Misplacing things occasionally but retracing steps to locate them.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
Dementia may affect judgment, leading to unwise financial decisions or a lack of attention to personal grooming. This can interfere with everyday responsibilities.
Typical Age-Related Change: Making a poor decision once in a while.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
Many with dementia may start to disengage from hobbies, work projects, or social activities they once enjoyed. They may feel overwhelmed by these activities or avoid them due to discomfort in social settings.
Typical Age-Related Change: Occasionally tired of social obligations, family, or work.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
Dementia can alter mood and personality, often leading to confusion, suspicion, depression, or anxiety. A person might become easily upset, especially in unfamiliar settings or routines.
Typical Age-Related Change: Developing strong preferences and becoming irritable when these routines are disrupted.
