Dementia symptoms can include changes in your memory, thinking and behavior. They may occur all at once or in stages over time. It’s important to get them diagnosed early so you can find out if they’re related to dementia or another health condition.
Changes in judgment and decision-making
If you or a loved one has changes in your judgment or decisions, it could be an early sign of dementia. For example, you might be putting off seeing the doctor when you should or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day. You might also be forgetting things you used to remember easily, like the names of people you know or where your car keys are.
These changes are normal, but you might want to see a doctor if they seem severe or you are worried about your loved one’s well-being. Your doctor can do a physical exam and review your symptoms. They may do a series of tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by dementia or another illness.
Problems with abstract thinking and numbers
Some people with dementia have difficulty understanding the meaning of words and symbols, like numbers or letters on a computer screen. They can also have problems with math, such as adding up numbers or using a calculator.
They might also struggle to solve problems such as balancing a chequebook or figuring out how to add up numbers in a recipe.
Difficulty with everyday tasks
It’s common to have trouble following a plan when doing familiar activities, such as changing TV settings, operating a computer or making a cup of tea. Difficulty with these familiar tasks can be frustrating, as they can interfere with a person’s quality of life and cause them to become disengaged from daily routines.
Confusion and memory loss
If a person with dementia is confused about something, it can be frightening and make them feel helpless. They may get lost on the way home, forget who they’re talking to, or find themselves in unfamiliar situations, such as a store.
The person’s family might also notice changes in their behavior, such as becoming apathetic or not caring about other people’s feelings. This behavior can also lead to other symptoms, such as agitation and impulsivity.
Forgetfulness and lack of concentration
It is common for people with dementia to forget things, even though they usually can remember them later. This happens especially when they are having trouble concentrating on a task or following directions.
This can be confusing for the person with dementia as it can also result in them not being able to complete a task correctly or wasting their time. For example, a person with dementia may not be able to finish preparing a meal and end up wasting their time by eating too much or not finishing their dishes.
Difficulty completing simple tasks that everyone does with ease such as putting on clothes or preparing a meal can be an early sign of dementia.
