Early signs and symptoms of dementia
Many people worry they have dementia when they start to have problems with their memory. A small degree of memory loss is normal as we age.
Memory loss associated with dementia is not a normal part of ageing. People with dementia experience changes in memory loss and thinking, that over time significantly interfere with daily life.
Although memory loss is one of the early symptoms of dementia, problems with memory can be related to other conditions, some treatable.
Depression, vitamin and hormone deficiencies or problems with medication are just some of the common causes of dementia like symptoms. Treating these conditions usually improves people's memory.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia vary widely. Many early signs of dementia can be subtle, easily overlooked or attributed to old age.
What are the early signs of dementia?
Common early signs and symptoms of dementia are short term memory loss and problems with words.
Early signs of dementia can include but are not limited to:
- Problems doing simple tasks, using appliances or following complicated instructions
- Problems with reading, writing and doing simple calculations
- Difficulty communicating, mistaking words, problems following a conversation or constantly repeating themselves
- Neglecting personal hygiene or grooming
- Changes in behaviour such as being withdrawn, insensitive, loss of inhibitions or becoming fearful of being left alone
- Getting lost in a familiar place
A person can still function quite well in the early stages of dementia appearing well one day but not the next. Symptoms may become more apparent when a person is under stress, sick or tired.
If you or a loved one are worried about any problems with memory see a doctor. In some cases dementia like symptoms are related to conditions that could be treated.
Diagnosing dementia
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