It can be tricky to understand the changes in the behaviors of your loved ones as they age. Things like forgetfulness are natural parts of agining. But at what point do they stop being a normal part of life and become something that requires intervention?

It is important to know what exactly you should be looking out for in regards to early signs of dementia. Being able to recognize what kind of behaviors correspond to the warning signs of dementia can help you determine when and how to seek help for your loved one.

Here are 10 warning signs to watch for that could mean your loved one is beginning to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

MEMORY LOSS

The most common and well recognizable early sign of dementia is memory loss. Memory loss is normal as we age, but you should pay attention if your loved one easily forgets information they just learned or they repeatedly ask the same questions during a conversation. Though taking longer to recall information can be typical age-related forgetfulness, people with dementia may not be able to recall important dates or events at all and need the help of memory aids in their daily life. 

LOSS OF ABILITY TO MAKE AND FOLLOW PLANS

Your loved one may be unable to follow daily schedules or make plans for a schedule if they’re beginning to suffer from dementia. Following plans may become difficult for people with dementia. Things like making grocery lists or following familiar recipes may take more time and become harder for your loved one to complete.

TROUBLE WITH PROBLEM-SOLVING

Similar to the newfound difficulty making and following plans, another early warning sign may be an individual’s inability to problem solve like they used to. Paying bills and managing time may become more challenging. Tasks may take more time to complete than before. 

LOSING TRACK OF OBJECTS 

Someone struggling with dementia may begin to put things in new places and have trouble locating them. Because their short-term memory is being affected, they’re unable to retrace their steps in their mind and recall where they’ve placed the item. This often leads people with dementia to accuse others of theft.

DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING TIME

Not only can remembering dates be confusing for someone with dementia, but the passage of time can also be a struggle for these individuals.

People suffering from dementia will have a tough time understanding events unless they’re happening to them at that exact moment. This can often lead to confusion about how they got to where they are.

DISRUPTION IN VISION

Deteriorating vision is often associated with aging, but it can also be a sign of dementia. People with dementia will often experience changes in their sense of depth perception or determining color which can affect their ability to read, write, drive and balance themselves. 

POOR JUDGMENT

Alterations in someone’s decision-making skills can be a sign of dementia as people with dementia will sometimes display poor judgment that is uncharacteristic of them. Changes in your loved one’s grooming habits or a lack of self-care can be an indication that their judgment is being affected by dementia.

TROUBLE SPEAKING

Issues with vocabulary, misremembering words and using the wrong name for a word are other signs of dementia. People with dementia may begin to struggle with their ability to talk with others and follow conversations. Language and vocabulary issues will also affect their ability to write in the same way.

WITHDRAWING FROM SOCIAL LIFE

As their ability to effectively engage with others diminishes, a person with dementia will often withdraw from their favorite hobbies as well as activities that require them to be around others.

DIFFERENCE IN MOOD

Individuals with dementia may begin to display moods that are uncharacteristic of themselves. As the disease affects their state of mind, they may become more upset, anxious, and fearful. This will often cause them to become reclusive as they try to avoid these feelings.

SEEKING HELP

If you believe your loved one may be suffering from dementia, reach out to us at Milton Adult Day Services. Our staff will help answer questions about the challenges dementia presents and can help you determine if our adult day center is the right fit for your loved one. We offer a therapeutic activities-based program designed to serve adults with a variety of conditions including dementia.