10 Warning Signs that Your Loved One May Have Dementia

Especially as people age, it's natural to worry that every misplaced set of keys or unpaid bill could signal dementia. The good news is that some mild forgetfulness is normal and not a reason to panic. However, certain more serious memory problems and other changes could indicate the possibility of this brain disorder. 

Cory Lamar, MD, and our highly skilled team at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, in Naples, Florida, diagnose and treat neurological conditions. Whether the issue is a traumatic brain injury, seizures, dementia, or another neurologic condition, our innovative protocols can help.

Dementia

Dementia is the result of abnormal changes in the brain and encompasses multiple medical conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms include a significant decline in one's thinking or cognitive skills along with behavioral and emotional changes.

Warning signs

Dementia comes with a number of warning signs that can include the following:

Serious memory loss

Memory loss that is noticeable enough to affect daily life such as repeating questions or statements in conversation, forgetting events, or needing notes and reminders to remember things can be a symptom of dementia.

Challenges with daily tasks

Most people take everyday activities like driving, cooking, and using a phone or TV remote for granted but for those beginning to suffer from dementia these tasks may become difficult.

Problem-solving issues

Another red flag for dementia is a person having trouble planning or executing steps for something they have done for a long time like cooking a certain food.

Visual and spatial problems

Frequent tripping and falling as well as spilling something or dropping an item may indicate an individual is struggling with balance or spatial aptitude and can be a sign of dementia.

Clock and calendar confusion

Not being able to process a later event or forgetting dates may signal a problem.

Losing items

Individuals who misplace items in strange places, like car keys in the washing machine, or who can't try to find a missing item by remembering where they were and what they were doing, may have early signs of dementia.

Communication challenges

Other symptoms can include not being able to fully engage in conversation with others as well as the inability to think of a certain word.

Bad judgment

Making poor decisions, falling victim to a scam, and struggling with common responsibilities like managing money responsibly can all indicate possible dementia.

Withdrawal

Some people with developing dementia may stop going to work or engaging in social activities because it is too hard to keep track of what is going on.

Shifts in mood and personality

Extreme reactions like getting upset over little things or acting scared or suspicious can also indicate the possibility of dementia. 

While there is no cure for dementia, getting a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan in place as early as possible can help with symptom management. If you suspect you or a loved one may be showing signs, call Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, or request an appointment online today.