Top 15 Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 26, 2024

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Dementia is a collection of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. To receive a dementia diagnosis, the signs must disrupt daily life and represent a significant decline in cognitive abilities. Although there is no cure for dementia, early detection may help slow its progress. Treatment options and medications can ease some signs, but their effects are usually limited.

Memory Loss and Confusion

One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory problems. People may struggle to recall recent events but clearly remember things from years ago. Memory distortions can also happen, where individuals might confuse people in their memories or blend different events. For instance, they might mistake an old memory for something new. Short-term memory loss is one of the early indicators of dementia.

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Difficulty with Words

As dementia progresses, language skills often decline. Individuals may have trouble finding the right words during a conversation, causing them to pause frequently or use vague language. Over time, this issue can become so severe that communication becomes difficult, leading them to avoid social interactions altogether.

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Mood Swings and Personality Changes

Dementia can lead to sudden shifts in mood. A person might be cheerful one moment and sad or angry the next. Some individuals even develop depression as a result of the condition. Along with mood swings, there may be noticeable personality changes. For instance, someone who was typically shy might start behaving more openly or impulsively. These changes depend on which parts of the brain are affected by dementia.

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Impaired Reasoning

As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may begin to act in ways that seem irrational or illogical. For example, they might take a freezing cold shower when they’re only slightly warm or hide items in odd places. When asked about these behaviors, their explanations may not make sense. This decline in reasoning abilities is a hallmark of advanced dementia.

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Confusion and Disorientation

Disorientation is another signs of dementia. People may lose track of time, forgetting what day or year it is. They can also become confused about where they are or what they’re doing. For example, they may forget what they had for breakfast or become lost in familiar surroundings. As dementia worsens, this confusion and disorientation tend to intensify, making it difficult for individuals to maintain their daily routines.

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Understanding and Comprehension Issues

People with dementia often struggle to understand what’s going on around them. They might ask the same question repeatedly or find it difficult to follow simple instructions. Some also have trouble with tasks like reading, writing, or telling time. In the early stages, these comprehension issues might be mistaken for a lack of attention or focus.

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Problems with Balance and Movement

Dementia can also affect physical abilities. As motor skills deteriorate, individuals might develop a stooped posture or lean to one side while walking. They may become more prone to falling due to balance issues or a lack of awareness about their surroundings. This can lead to a greater risk of accidents.

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Neglect of Personal Care

As dementia progresses, personal hygiene often takes a backseat. Individuals may stop showering regularly, wear the same clothes repeatedly, or live in cluttered or unsanitary conditions. This neglect of self-care can be concerning for caregivers, who may need to step in and help maintain basic routines.

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Changes in Eating Habits

People with dementia often experience changes in their appetite and eating habits. They may lose interest in food or develop strange behaviors, such as skipping meals or spitting out their food. Ensuring that individuals with dementia maintain a healthy diet is crucial to prevent malnutrition. Caregivers play a key role in making sure meals are balanced and regular.

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Social Skill Decline

Dementia can affect a person’s ability to navigate social situations. They might say or do inappropriate things without realizing it, often causing discomfort or confusion among others. This decline in social skills can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, further isolating the individual.

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Wandering and Getting Lost

Wandering" is a common behavior among people with dementia. They may walk around aimlessly, without any clear destination or purpose. This can be dangerous, as they might get lost, even in familiar places. Caregivers need to ensure a safe environment and keep a close eye on individuals who are prone to wandering.

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Incontinence

As dementia reaches more advanced stages, incontinence becomes more common. This may include both urinary and fecal incontinence. Some people experience this due to physical health conditions, like an enlarged prostate, while others simply lose the ability to control these bodily functions. Managing incontinence can be emotionally challenging for the individual and caregivers alike.

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Agitation and Aggression

In some cases, dementia can cause increased agitation or aggression. This may be due to confusion, frustration, or even a feeling of being threatened by unfamiliar situations. Creating a calming environment and using patience is essential in helping individuals manage these emotional outbursts effectively.

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Changes in Taste and Smell

Dementia can alter a person’s ability to taste and smell, which may lead them to prefer certain foods, like sweets, or dislike others they once enjoyed. This shift can make it harder to plan meals and ensure proper nutrition. A reduced sense of smell can also pose dangers, like being unable to detect smoke or spoiled food. Caregivers should take precautions, such as installing working smoke detectors and keeping food supplies fresh.

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Hoarding Behavior

Some people with dementia may start to hoard objects, accumulating items with no clear purpose. This behavior often stems from fear of losing something important or simply finding comfort in their belongings. While it may seem harmless at first, hoarding can create safety hazards, clutter, and attract pests. Managing this behavior is important for the safety and well-being of the individual.

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