More than 421,000 Australians will be living with all types of dementia by 2024, an illness that gradually impairs cognitive function, memory, and daily living abilities. With dementia affecting millions of people not only in Australia but throughout the world, identifying the early warning symptoms is critical for appropriate intervention.
Detecting these warning signs early on, from memory loss to behavioural changes and difficulties with daily duties, can be critical for effective management and enhancing quality of life. In this blog, we’ll look at the top ten very early indications of dementia to look out for, giving you the knowledge you need to act quickly and provide your loved ones with the care they deserve.
10 Very Early Signs of Dementia
Memory Loss
Memory loss, particularly short-term memory, is often the first, most noticeable common symptom of dementia. Unlike the occasional forgetfulness that comes with ageing, this type of memory problem is persistent and disrupts daily life. Individuals may repeatedly forget important dates, names, or recently learned information.
They might frequently misplace items or forget where they placed them, leading to frustration and confusion. As the condition progresses, they may begin to forget familiar faces or struggle to recall significant life events, affecting their ability to connect with loved ones.
Does dementia always start with memory loss?
No, dementia does not always start with memory loss. Dementia can manifest in various ways depending on the type and the areas of the brain affected. Here are some examples:
- Frontotemporal Dementia: This type often begins with changes in behaviour and personality. Individuals may exhibit inappropriate social behaviour, emotional blunting, or difficulties with planning and organisation, rather than noticeable memory loss.
- Lewy Body Dementia: Early symptoms can include fluctuating attention and alertness, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Memory loss might develop later in the course of the disease.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Memory loss is frequently an early sign, but other early symptoms can include difficulty with language, confusion about time or place, and challenges in completing familiar tasks.
- Vascular Dementia: This type can start with problems in planning, organising, or solving problems. Memory issues might become more prominent as the condition progresses.
- Mixed Dementia: Individuals with mixed dementia might show a combination of symptoms from different types of dementia, which can make early detection more complex.
Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
A person with dementia may struggle to execute ordinary tasks such as cooking a meal they’ve prepared numerous times, using household appliances, or travelling to a familiar area. They may begin a task but become puzzled about how to proceed, leaving it undone. For example, people may forget the procedures to getting dressed or struggle to follow a recipe they’ve been using for years. This difficulty frequently leads to dissatisfaction, and they may begin to shun chores entirely, further limiting their independence.
Click to know What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Disorientation and Confusion
Disorientation is a common early indication of dementia, causing confusion about time, place, and identity. Individuals may lose track of the weekday, season, or year. Even in familiar surroundings such as their own house, individuals may lose track of where they are or how they arrived.
This confusion is especially problematic when they are driving or strolling alone, as they may become lost or unable to find their way back. Over time, this confusion spreads to recognising known faces, including family members and close acquaintances, causing distress and anxiety in both the individual and others around them.
Changes in Mood and Personality
Dementia often causes major changes in mood and personality. Someone who was once outgoing and cheerful can become introverted, irritated, or nervous. These mood swings can occur without a clear cause and may become more common as the illness advances.
Individuals may become easily disturbed in strange surroundings or when they are taken out of their usual routine. They may also experience melancholy, paranoia, or increased suspicion of others, sometimes accusing close ones of stealing or deception. This behaviour change might be one of the most difficult elements of dementia for carers and family members to manage.
Difficulty Communicating
Communication difficulties are characteristic of early dementia. Individuals may struggle to find the right words during conversations, resulting in pauses and dissatisfaction. They may use incorrect or irrelevant words in their speech, making it difficult to understand.
Over time, they may struggle to follow talks, particularly in noisy situations or when numerous people are speaking. Writing can also get harder if spelling and grammatical skills deteriorate. These communication issues might cause social disengagement, since the individual may be humiliated or disappointed by their inability to explain oneself.
Is your loved one exhibiting signs of dementia? Don’t wait. Early intervention is key. We offer personalised care plans to help manage the condition effectively. Contact us today.
Poor Judgement
Impaired judgement is a modest but important early symptom of dementia. This can present itself in a variety of ways, including making poor financial judgements, such as donating huge quantities of money to strangers or telemarketers, or failing to maintain personal cleanliness and grooming standards.
Individuals may dress incorrectly for the weather, such as wearing heavy clothing on a hot day or light clothing in cold weather. They may also become more vulnerable to scams or make hasty decisions without contemplating the repercussions. This lapse in judgement can endanger lives and present considerable obstacles in daily living.
Decreased Spatial Skills
Spatial awareness and the ability to absorb visual information can decline in the early stages of dementia. This may be obvious when a person struggles with tasks such as reading, driving, or navigating familiar environments. They may have difficulty judging distances, resulting in accidents while driving or walking.
Furthermore, people living with dementia may struggle to recognise familiar things or faces. For example, individuals may have difficulty recognising a close acquaintance or a familiar household item, which might cause uncertainty and worry. These challenges can make it difficult for them to travel securely and freely.
Repetitive Behaviours
Repetitive habits are usual in early dementia and can include asking the same questions, telling the same stories, or doing the same acts. This repetition is frequently caused by memory loss, in which the individual forgets to say or do something previously.
They may also engage in repetitive physical activities like pacing back and forth, tapping fingers, or rearranging objects. This behaviour may be used to cope with anxiety, boredom, or bewilderment, providing a sense of comfort in a world that is becoming increasingly difficult to understand.
Difficulty Planning and Organising
People with dementia frequently find it harder and harder to plan and arrange their everyday activities when their dementia worsens. Multiple-step tasks become burdensome, such as meal preparation, money management, and schedule organisation. They could find it difficult to remember appointments, bills, or social obligations, which could cause them to miss deadlines or obligations.
Their routine can be severely disrupted and their dependence on assistance from others increased if they are unable to plan adequately. They might also struggle with abstract thought, which makes it difficult for them to follow a discussion, solve issues, or come to judgements.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
People frequently start to distance themselves from things they used to like when dementia sets in, including social gatherings, jobs, and hobbies. The effort required to follow directions, stay up to date on conversations, and remember specifics may overwhelm them, making them avoid these circumstances.
A former participant in a book club or community group, for instance, could no longer be able to understand the discussion or recall the material, so they quit going to meetings. This disengagement can exacerbate dementia symptoms by causing isolation and depression. It is frequently a defensive technique used to prevent embarrassment or frustration.
What to do if you notice these signs?
It’s critical to get medical help as soon as possible if you or a loved one exhibits one or more of these early dementia symptoms. Better management of the illness and access to therapies that can help impede the progression of symptoms can result from an early diagnosis. Resources and support groups are also offered to assist people and their families in adjusting to the changes that dementia brings.
Summing Up!
Recognising these very early warning signs and symptoms of dementia is essential for early diagnosis and intervention. While experiencing one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has dementia, noticing multiple signs or a gradual worsening of symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
Early intervention can help manage symptoms, provide access to dementia care services, and potentially slow the progression of the disease, improving the overall quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones.
At Wise Choice, we understand the importance of compassionate and effective dementia care. Whether you need support at home or prefer aged care services, our team is dedicated to providing personalised care tailored to each individual’s needs. Our skilled staff are experienced in managing dementia-related challenges and provide a supportive, safe, and engaging environment. Reach out to us today for more details.
