These 9 signs could indicate the early stages of dementia
Dementia occurs much more often than you might think. According to the NHS, one in 14 people over 65 will develop dementia, while that number rises to 1 in 6 for people over 80. It isn’t always very easy to determine whether someone really has dementia since the first symptoms often differ per person.
These nine subtle changes can indicate the early stages of dementia.
9. Time and place
The sense of time and the ability to find their way slowly decreases for people with dementia. For example, it might happen that someone walks to the supermarket and then has no idea how they got there. Telling the time or saying/writing what day or year it is also becomes difficult.
8. Writing
This is closely connected to the symptom above. Writing down an address, a birthday card or any other form of writing becomes quite difficult. Finding the right words is especially hard while writing something down. Concentration problems also arise when writing, because people who are in the first stages of dementia can’t concentrate for long enough to finish a sentence.
7. Short term memory
One of the most common early signs of dementia is short term memory problems. It’s difficult to determine, of course, because everyone forgets where they put their keys or phone sometimes. However, with dementia, the forgetfulness is more serious and happens more often as well. Things are often found again in the most illogical places. Examples are keys that are found in the fridge or a wallet in the microwave.
6. Mood swings
Sudden mood swings and changes in behaviour often occur in people who are in the early stages of dementia. People with dementia might suffer from depressions, but this isn’t necessarily the case. What is true in all cases is that the mood swings always come seemingly out of nowhere. A sudden burst of laughter or crying without a clear reason is one of the most common signs.
Go to the next page to read about the other five signs of the early stages of dementia.
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