Dementia is a general term for a collection of symptoms triggered by disorders affecting the brain. It is not a specific disease, but rather a condition that impacts cognition, specifically memory, reasoning, and communication abilities. Early detection of dementia can significantly improve quality of life and slow its progression. This article explores some of the early signs of dementia and discusses the importance of seeking medical attention when these symptoms become apparent.
Memory Loss
One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory loss. It's important to differentiate between normal age-related forgetfulness and the type of memory loss associated with dementia. While it is common to forget names or appointments occasionally, individuals with dementia will forget such information more frequently and will not remember them later. They may repeat questions, forget conversations or events, and increasingly rely on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
Difficulty with Planning or Problem Solving
Some individuals in the early stages of dementia may experience