If you know anyone with dementia, you’re familiar with the toll this condition takes. Classified as a progressive neurological disorder, dementia causes physical and cognitive symptoms that interfere with daily life. This affects the diagnosed individual and puts significant emotional strain on family members.

To manage this condition effectively, it’s essential to intervene as early as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the early signs of dementia and what to do if you notice them.

What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?

Before we break down the early warning signs of early dementia, let’s review what it is. Put simply, dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive disorders that affect memory, language and thinking abilities. While each type of dementia is different, they share several symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Identifying the First Signs of Dementia

Here are some of the beginning signs of dementia:

• Memory loss. Early on, memory loss is often minor. For example, the person may forget a doctor’s appointment, misplace items or struggle to remember a recent conversation.
• Confusion and disorientation. People with dementia often lose track of time or feel disoriented in familiar settings.
• Difficulty with familiar tasks. Dementia affects the ability to perform regular tasks, such as paying credit card bills or cooking meals.
• Difficulty communicating. Oftentimes, people with dementia struggle to find the right words or follow conversations. However, this can also be related to age-related hearing loss.
• Mood changes. In addition to impacting memory, dementia affects personality. For instance, it may cause sudden mood swings or increased irritability. This can be a sign that it’s time to speak to a health care provider.

Because the first signs of dementia are subtle, they’re often waved off as normal forgetfulness. As a result, many people don’t receive a diagnosis until later on.

Unique Early Signs by Dementia Type

In addition to these general signs, people may experience unique symptoms linked to their exact dementia type. These include the following:

• Lewy body dementia. This type of dementia is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. Early signs include visual hallucinations, muscle stiffness, poor sleep and increased confusion.
• Frontotemporal dementia. This dementia type causes behavioral changes such as increased impulsivity, irritability and a disregard for social cues. People may also experience speech problems and aphasia.
• Vascular dementia. Vascular dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted (such as after a stroke). These circulatory issues may cause sudden confusion, poor judgment and bad decision-making. Generally, symptoms occur in a stepwise progression in which declined cognitive function is followed by periods of stability.
• Alzheimer’s disease. People with Alzheimer’s may struggle to remember appointments, manage finances, follow conversations and make decisions.
• Parkinson’s disease dementia. Also known as PDD, this condition is characterized by problems with attention span, executive function and visual perception.
• Mixed dementia. Mixed dementia involves a combination of different types, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This rare dementia type is marked by memory loss, mood swings and poor motor skills. Symptoms progress quickly, usually escalating within a few months.
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus. This dementia is linked to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It may cause ambulatory problems, urinary incontinence and cognitive decline.
• Huntington’s disease. A genetic disorder, Huntington’s disease is most recognized for causing rapid, jerky movements. It also affects organization, memory and impulse control.

Behavioral and Physical Signs of Dementia

No matter which type of dementia you’re dealing with, the condition causes behavioral and physical symptoms that typically worsen over time. Here are some common signs:

• Decline in motor skills
• Difficulty with coordination and spatial awareness
• Poor hygiene and grooming habits
• Loss of appetite
• Poor sleep patterns

It’s important to note that these signs extend beyond normal, age-related changes. While most elderly individuals experience some physical decline or change in grooming habits, these symptoms are more severe in those with dementia.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia in Different Demographics

Dementia affects both men and women; however, the early signs can differ based on gender. Studies show that the decline of estrogen1 caused by menopause increases the likelihood of learning and memory problems in women. Furthermore, women are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease2 than men.

Men also have their own unique risks. For example, men are more likely to consume tobacco products3, which increases the risk of cardiovascular issues and vascular dementia.

Navigating Diagnosis and Early Management

Have you noticed any signs of dementia in elderly loved ones? If so, the first thing you should do is schedule a medical diagnosis. After an initial consultation, the doctor will perform physical and neurological exams. Then, they’ll get started on a treatment plan. This may include the following:

• Lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a healthy diet and an exercise routine helps prevent physical and cognitive decline.
• Home adjustments. You can increase home safety by improving lighting, installing grab bars and ensuring someone is around at all times.
• Support groups. Support groups can help with emotional strain.

Planning for future care needs. As dementia progresses, you may be unable to manage it at home. To ensure your loved one’s needs are met, it’s helpful to find a care home.

Chesapeake Manor’s Approach to Early Dementia Care

There’s no doubt a dementia diagnosis has a huge impact on families. However, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Chesapeake Manor, we support families through high-quality, personalized dementia care.

Supporting Loved Ones With Signs of Early Dementia

Looking for ways to support loved ones going through dementia? At Chesapeake Manor, we offer a combination of physical, cognitive and social exercises, as well as comforting, private accommodations. As dementia progresses, our treatments progress with it. In addition to memory care, we provide ongoing support to families and loved ones. By addressing the early signs of dementia, we help manage symptoms, aim to slow its progression and boost overall quality of life.

Empowering Early Action

If you recognize signs of dementia in a loved one, don’t hesitate to take action. Contact Chesapeake Manor for elegant assisted living in Maryland at 410-835-2427 or schedule a tour today.

References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/menopause-and-memory-know-the-facts-202111032630
2. https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/february_2016/why_does_alzheimer_s_disease_affect_more_women_tha
3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/are-there-gender-differences-in-tobacco-smoking