Dementia is a common condition that affects the ability to think and remember. Many people live with dementia, which can be very scary for family members. There are a few signs that you might have dementia or someone you know may have this condition. These include memory loss, decision-making problems, personality changes, and difficulties learning new things. Discover signs of dementia, as well as some steps you can take to make sure they get the support they need:
They Can’t Remember Things That Happened Recently, But They Can Remember Things That Happened A Long Time Ago
As dementia progresses, your loved one will have increasing difficulty with new information. They may also have trouble remembering things that happened recently.
However, they can remember things that happened a long time ago. This is because the brain’s hippocampus—the area of the brain responsible for memory—gets smaller as you age. As a result, it becomes harder to store new memories and recall them later on.
If you notice your loved one has trouble remembering things that happened recently, it might be a sign of dementia or another medical condition that affects memory function.
They’re Not As Aware Of Their Surroundings As They Used To Be
People with dementia may have difficulty keeping track of their surroundings, as they can easily become confused about where they are. This can lead to them getting lost, which is dangerous and upsetting for everyone involved. They may forget where they parked the car and then get around aimlessly looking for it, or forget what day it is and not know that they have a doctor’s appointment scheduled later in the week.
They will also have trouble finding things, such as their keys or phone. In addition to having problems with memory loss and confusion, some people with dementia might also lose interest in their hobbies or favorite activities because they don’t remember how much fun those things used to be.
They Find It Hard To Make Decisions
It’s not unusual for someone with dementia to have trouble making decisions. They may find it hard to decide what to wear, what to eat and when they want to go places.
They also might have trouble making simple decisions like whether or not they want a glass of water. Some people with dementia will choose one item out of two items presented and then change their minds at the last minute, even if it means leaving the house in an unplanned outfit or missing an appointment altogether.
These changes in behavior can be frustrating for both you and your loved one because you know that he or she used to make better choices than this! If this is happening frequently with your parent or spouse, talk with them about their daily routine so they can feel more comfortable knowing what activities are coming up next instead of getting overwhelmed by all the choices available at any given time (and make sure these plans account for any difficulties that may arise).
They’re Experiencing Mood Changes
Your loved one may see mood changes as a result of the disease itself or as a response to stress and anxiety. If your loved one is experiencing mood changes, it’s important to understand that this is common in the early stages of dementia and doesn’t mean they’re depressed. However, it could be helpful for them to talk with someone about their feelings.
Conclusion
If you think your loved one might be experiencing dementia, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend treatment options based on their findings. If nothing else, having someone outside of your family make an official diagnosis can help alleviate some of your stress about how to handle the situation in the first place!
