POLOKWANE – Dementia is a brain disease which causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills and memory loss that disrupts daily life. According to Livewell, there are 10 signs and symptoms to look out for.
“Every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. If you notice any of them, see your general practitioner who can advise you on the next steps to follow.”
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage. Other things one might forget include forgetting important dates or events, constantly asking for the same information and being increasingly reliant on aides such as reminders or notes.
For some, this will include forgetting things but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
This includes experiencing changes in your ability to follow a plan (like a familiar recipe) or working with numbers (keeping track of monthly bills). People with this symptom may find it difficult to concentrate and tend to take longer than usual to do things.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
It may be hard for people with dementia to complete daily tasks and they may sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or even remembering the rules of their favourite games. Another challenge may include occasionally needing help to use different settings on the microwave or to record a television show.
4. Confusion with time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time can be a sign of dementia. People with dementia may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately and they may also forget where they are and how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Having difficulty reading, judging distance and determining colour or contrast, may be a sign of dementia. A person’s vision may also change due to cataracts.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
When you have trouble following or joining a conversation, it may be a sign of dementia. These people may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. People with dementia may have problems finding the right word and may struggle with vocabulary.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with dementia may put things in unusual places and may lose things. They may be unable to retrace their steps to find them again and sometimes, may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
8. Decreased or poor judgement
People with dementia may use poor judgement when they deal with money and give large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming and keeping themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also feel weary of work, family and social obligations.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change and they can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. You may find that people with dementia develop a specific way of doing things and may become irritable when their routine is disrupted.
Livewell suggests consulting with a medical professional should you or someone you care about experience any of the 10 warning signs.
“Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. You can also join one of our upcoming dementia support groups for more information,” their statement reads.
