Dementia is an umbrella term used for progressive and chronic brain issues commonly affecting memory, behavior, and the ability to think. The World Health Organization estimates over 50 million people live with dementia around the world. These numbers are expected to triple within a few decades. The syndrome is not only overwhelming for the people living with dementia but also for those closest to them. Concerned family members and friends can notice the signs of dementia if you know what to look for. If you have a loved one showing signs of cognitive decline, here is a dementia checklist you can consult:
1. Memory Loss: One of the Most Common Signs of Dementia
Memory loss is considered one of the most common signs of dementia. In the early dementia stages, long-term memory is not often affected. Memory loss is usually centered around learning or remembering basic or new information. Those suffering from the disease can forget important details such as doctor’s appointments, the current day, and even the names of close friends and relatives. If your loved one is showing progressive signs of forgetfulness, it might be one of their dementia symptoms.
2. Difficulty with Routine Tasks
We all have daily routines and tasks we perform automatically without a second thought. Part of dementia behavior is suddenly forgetting how to perform daily tasks that once were second nature. People with dementia may struggle to remember directions on a road they frequently travel or fail to complete a chore they have always managed to do. Many dismiss this forgetfulness because it is a part of aging, but it can be one of the dementia symptoms.
3. Negative Changes in Language and Communication Skills
Since dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect cognitive brain function, a person’s communication ability can be affected. Dementia communication can result in someone struggling to keep up with a conversation. Other patients have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves, while others may repeat themselves several times. It can get to a point where talking is too tricky, and you actively avoid conversations for fear of being judged.
4. Planning and Problem-Solving Issues
As the disease progresses and changes in memory become commonplace, people with dementia start to struggle with planning and solving small problems. Following a recipe becomes challenging, or keeping up with the monthly bills suddenly becomes too overwhelming. When a patient struggles, they often stop cooking and paying the bills, negatively impacting their quality of life. One of the clear signs of dementia is losing the ability to focus and concentrate on completing tasks that are a part of your daily routine.
5. Increasing Vision and Spatial Issues
Aside from memory loss and communication being affected by the disease, vision issues are also part of the dementia checklist. Vision change due to dementia can affect your ability to read and may also cause balance issues. It is also common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to have trouble seeing colors or judging distances, leading to driving difficulties. These negative changes in their vision are due to chronic cognitive decline and will continue to worsen with time.
6. Confusion Regarding Time and Places
The issue with the progressive nature of dementia is realizing the symptoms of the disease have been present for a while. People with memory issues can forget where they are, what time it is, and the current date. As the dementia symptoms continue to develop, patients can struggle with understanding something that is not currently happening. The difficulty in remembering where they are and how they got there can lead to bursts of anger and frustration. Helping someone with dementia requires a lot of patience as they can forget where they are several times in a row and will often need reminding.
7. Often Misplacing Items at Home
It is normal for everyone to forget where we left our phones and keys. However, as part of dementia diagnosis, it is advisable to pay attention to someone’s forgetfulness, especially when it becomes more frequent. A person with dementia will not only misplace their belongings, but it can be hard for them to retrace their steps to find their things. They can start putting things in random and unusual places. They may also start accusing those around them of theft as the disease progresses.
8. Sudden Loss of Interest and Apathy
One of the most missed signs of dementia is apathy and loss of interest in hobbies and activities. This is often dismissed because older people prefer to be left in peace. This is false. Over 70% who feel apathetic about learning something new or aren’t interested in meeting someone new have dementia. This apathy can be due to their difficulty remembering instructions and names, leading them to shy away from new experiences and people.
9. Unexplained Anxiousness
There are several reasons why we feel anxious out of the blue. This becomes more common with people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. People who were once outgoing and confident and who are now riddled with worry and anxiety may be showing signs of dementia. While their anxiety and stress may not be serious to you, the constant fixation on these issues can increase as the disease progresses. Talking to ease their worries is the first step towards helping someone with dementia.
The Dementia Checklist is a Helpful Tool
Whether you are worried that you or a loved one is showing early signs of dementia, this list can be a helpful tool. It is always advisable to consult with a specialist when diagnosing progressive cognitive decline. However, a checklist can help you prepare for what to expect. Dementia is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is hard to admit you or someone you love is showing signs of dementia behavior, a diagnosis will lead to better dementia care.