Warning Signs Of Dementia
The Most Common Signs
It’s important to know common signs. If you notice them, you can write them down and follow up with a doctor. This list is not meant to be a diagnostic tool. That means that if you see these signs, it doesn’t automatically mean the person has dementia. Always follow up with a doctor if you notice any of these common warning signs.
More Difficulty With Everyday Tasks
You may notice the person having a harder time completing everyday tasks that are familiar to them. Some examples include having difficulty:
- Following a recipe
- Driving to their local bank
- Making a grocery list
Changes In How They Speak
Have you noticed that it has become more challenging to communicate with the person? An early warning sign of dementia is noticing changes in how a person speaks. Examples include:
- Stopping mid-sentence
- Repeating themselves
- Trouble finding words
- Difficulty following conversations
- Using the wrong word to describe something
Getting Disoriented With Time & Place
When someone is disoriented or confused with time and place, they often make mistakes. Examples of mistakes include:
- Getting lost often or in familiar places
- Difficulty finding the way home
- Not knowing what season or month it is
- Showing up to appointments on the wrong day
Memory Loss Impacting Everyday Tasks
As people get older, they may start having problems with their memory. For example, they may forget things like why they walked into a room, where they put the car keys, or someone’s name. However, in normal aging, people can then remember these things later on. Memory loss that impacts everyday functioning can be a cause for concern. Examples of this include:
- Relying more on notes, alarms, or other people to remember important information
- Forgetting to pay monthly bills
- Asking the same questions over and over again
- Losing things often and not being able to find them
Impaired Safety Or Judgment
Dementia can affect someone’s judgment, often putting their safety at risk. Some examples are:
- Letting a stranger in the house
- Falling for scams
- Going out in the winter with summer clothes on
- Leaving the stove on after cooking
Changes In Mood Or Behavior
Everyone experiences different moods and feelings. However, if the person has more frequent or intense mood swings, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong. You might notice the person becoming more:
- Confused
- Paranoid
- Depressed
- Anxious
- Scared
- Withdrawn
Think You Missed Some Warning Signs? You’re Not Alone
It is common for caregivers to look back and think, “Oh wow… I missed the signs”. The truth is, these signs can be hard to spot, especially if you are close to the person. Try not to be hard on yourself if you didn’t catch all the signs.
