7 early signs of dementia that should raise concern
Symptoms of dementia to watch out for (Illustrative photo: freepik.com)
Dementia is a serious condition that can have a devastating impact on both the patient and their family. It is a syndrome associated with the progressive decline in brain function, which can lead to memory loss, changes in behavior, and even movement difficulties.
The Alzheimer's Society outlines the symptoms of dementia that may manifest in an individual.
What you need to know about the symptoms of dementia
Early detection of dementia symptoms and prompt seeking of help can significantly improve the support available to the patient. However, this is sometimes hindered by the fact that the symptoms may be mistaken for typical signs of aging.
A survey involving 1,100 participants revealed that many people kept their concerns to themselves because they were unsure whether the symptoms they noticed indicated dementia or were just part of normal aging.
"One in three people (33%) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month," experts reported.
The survey also showed that only 15% of people consulted a doctor immediately, while 11% admitted they did not seek medical advice right away.
This delay in reporting symptoms affects the speed at which individuals can receive help, with 23% waiting more than six months before speaking to a doctor.
Early signs of dementia, such as trouble with conversation, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses, are often mistaken for common signs of aging, such as hearing loss or simple forgetfulness.
7 symptoms of dementia
Seven possible early symptoms of dementia include:
- difficulty following conversations;
- trouble concentrating;
- memory loss;
- hearing loss;
- forgetfulness;
- mood swings;
- difficulty with movement.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself, it’s important to speak with your family doctor.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
