Changes in Behavior That Might Be a Sign of Dementia
The WHO estimates over 55 million people globally live with dementia, with 10 million cases being diagnosed annually. Dementia is a collection of symptoms that affect an individual’s memory, the ability to think, communicate, and process information. While the symptoms of dementia significantly vary due to underlying causes, some common symptoms are indicative of developing dementia. Below are subtle behavior changes that are indicative of dementia.
1. Short-term Memory Changes
Initially, patients with dementia can remember memories and events that occurred years ago but can’t remember their breakfast meal or recent memories. Other changes in short-term memory include not remembering how they got somewhere, forgetting daily activities, and where they recently placed items.
2. Mood Changes
Patients with developing dementia can also experience mood changes. Unfortunately, you might not easily recognize this yourself. Such individuals can feel more anxious and fearful than before. They can also develop episodes of depression. They easily become upset, especially due to small changes in their usual routine or if they get to unfamiliar environments or situations. Mood changes in developing dementia also come with personality changes. Affected persons become shy or unusually quiet.
3. Difficulty Completing Task
A significant inability to complete everyday tasks is another early warning sign of dementia. This often begins with difficulties in completing complex tasks, such as:
- Balancing checkbooks
- Following recipes
- Playing games with complex rules
- Tracking their utility bills
Besides struggling to complete everyday tasks, individuals with advancing dementia also struggle to learn new things or follow new routines.
4. Poor Judgement
The inability to make the right decisions is another significant consequence of cognitive decline associated with dementia. Common indicators of poor judgment include the inability to identify dangerous situations. For instance, they can cross a busy road without waiting for the road to clear or go outdoors in summer clothes during winter. Such persons also fail to make good financial decisions. If the person was initially careful with their expenditure, they could start giving away money for reasons they hardly understand.
Summary
Dementia is primarily caused by damaged nerve cells in the brain. However, it is a collection of symptoms indicative of multiple cognitive disorders. If you or your loved one starts exhibiting these signs, prioritize assessment by a primary healthcare provider. Aging adults should seek medical attention and consider shifting to a senior living community for assisted living services.
The Sycamore at Park Central, is an assisted living community that provides comfortable living, engaging activity, and active rehabilitation for loved ones in the early stages of memory impairment to advanced stages of dementia. Our caregivers receive more than 100 hours of intensive training to provide residents with top-quality care in a loving and supportive environment. The Sycamore incorporates a nurse-call system that is customized to each resident’s needs and preferences. Because of our low resident-to-nursing staff ratio and our years of expertise, our residents get individualized attention and can reap the full benefits of a devoted memory care center.
Give us a call or schedule a virtual tour to learn more!
