The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5.8 million Americans are living with some form of dementia. While it’s a progressive condition, there are often early warning signs that can indicate if you or someone you know may be developing it.
This article will look at three common signs of dementia and how to spot them.
Memory Loss
If you’re having trouble remembering things like recent conversations, appointments, or even the name of your pet, this could be a sign of dementia. Many people experience normal memory lapses as they get older, but if you’re experiencing more frequent lapses than usual, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Difficulty Finding Words
Struggling to find the right words when talking or writing is often an early sign of dementia. This difficulty can manifest in different ways, such as having trouble finishing sentences or forgetting names or words associated with objects (e.g., calling your toothbrush “that thing I use to brush my teeth”).
Difficulty Learning New Information
If you’re having difficulty learning new information or repeating facts/figures, this could also point to dementia. In particular, if you find yourself re-learning the same information multiple times over a short period of time, this should be taken seriously and investigated further by your doctor.
Stay One Step Ahead
Dementia isn’t always easy to spot in its early stages. However, keeping your eyes open for these three signs can give insight into whether further medical assessment is necessary for yourself or someone you love.
Of course, any suspected cases should be taken seriously and discussed with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Early detection and proper care can make all the difference in managing the symptoms associated with this debilitating condition.
