When we think of dementia, memory loss is often the first and only symptom that comes to mind. While forgetting names or appointments is a well-known indicator, many other, more subtle changes can signal a problem. It is important to be aware of the hidden signs of dementia you should know, as these often appear long before significant memory issues. Recognizing these less obvious early signs of dementia can lead to a timely diagnosis, which is crucial for planning and management. This guide shines a light on the symptoms that go beyond forgetfulness. Visit the best Mental Health Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness, or log on to www.doralhw.org.
Hidden Signs of Dementia You Should Know
The early stages of dementia can manifest in surprising ways, often affecting personality, judgment, and social skills first. Paying attention to these subtle shifts is key to early detection.
Changes in Mood and Personality
One of the most common but overlooked early signs of dementia is a significant change in a person’s disposition.
- Apathy and Withdrawal: A person may lose interest in hobbies and activities they once loved. They might seem emotionally flat, unmotivated, and withdrawn from social engagements. This is often mistaken for depression.
- Increased Anxiety or Fear: Newfound anxiety, agitation, or fearfulness, especially in unfamiliar situations, can be a sign of cognitive changes. The world may start to feel confusing or overwhelming.
- Lack of Empathy: A surprising change can be a reduced ability to read social cues or consider other people’s feelings, leading to comments or actions that seem insensitive or out of character.
Difficulty with Complex Tasks and Judgment
Problems with executive function—the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, and juggle multiple tasks—are a core feature of many types of dementia.
- Poor Financial Decisions: A person might start making uncharacteristically poor choices with money, such as falling for scams, donating large sums to telemarketers, or being unable to manage a household budget.
- Trouble with Planning: Difficulty organizing a sequence of events, like planning a family dinner or following a familiar recipe, can be an early indicator.
- Decline in Personal Hygiene: Neglecting personal grooming, like forgetting to bathe, wearing the same clothes for days, or appearing generally unkempt, can signal that a person is struggling.
Language and Communication Problems
Word-finding difficulties can be a normal part of aging, but the language issues in early dementia are more pronounced.
- Struggling to Follow Conversations: A person may have trouble keeping up with group discussions, often losing the thread of what is being said.
- Substituting Words: They might use unusual word substitutions, making their speech difficult to understand. For example, they might call a “watch” a “hand-clock.”
- Repetitive Speech: Repeating the same stories, phrases, or questions within a short period is another common sign.
Visual and Spatial Issues
Dementia can affect how the brain processes visual information, leading to problems that are not related to eyesight.
- Difficulty with Depth Perception: This can make it hard to judge distances, leading to issues with driving or navigating stairs.
- Trouble Recognizing Faces: A person may struggle to recognize familiar faces, even those of close family and friends.
- Misinterpreting Objects: They might have trouble identifying or using common objects correctly.
Why Recognizing These Signs Matters
Identifying the early signs of dementia is not about causing alarm, but about empowering action. An early diagnosis is critical for several reasons. It allows doctors to rule out other treatable conditions that can mimic dementia, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. It also opens the door to better management and support.
A timely diagnosis allows families to begin planning for future dementia care, making important legal and financial decisions while their loved one can still participate. It also provides access to treatments that may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you notice these hidden signs in a loved one, it is important to encourage them to see a doctor. The conversation may be difficult, but it is necessary. A primary care physician can conduct an initial screening and refer them to a specialist, such as a neurologist or a behavioral health specialist, for a comprehensive evaluation. A behavioral health specialist can also provide crucial support for families and individuals coping with the emotional impact of a diagnosis.
By understanding all the early signs of dementia, not just the obvious ones, you can be a better advocate for your loved one’s health. Proactive observation and early intervention are the most powerful tools you have in navigating a potential diagnosis and ensuring the best possible path for dementia care. For further inquiries, call us on +1- 718-367-2555 to get a consultation. Or log on to www.doralw.org. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with us at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake.
