Everybody forgets something now and then. As the brain ages, it’s normal to occasionally blank on a name, make a mistake with numbers or misplace your keys or phone. But with typical aging, we can usually recall it later and retrace our steps.
However, dementia presents differently and it affects more than just memory. These brain changes cause ongoing problems with everyday tasks and represent a noticeable shift from how someone normally functions. It’s important to know the difference between normal lapses and more serious signs that could indicate dementia. Why pay attention to these early signs in yourself or those you love? Because when you know sooner, you can live better.
By talking to your healthcare provider early, you can learn whether memory changes are due to dementia or another treatable condition. An early diagnosis makes all the difference. While there is no cure for dementia, finding out sooner gives you access to FDA-approved treatments and lifestyle strategies that can slow mental decline and improve quality of life.
WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
Here are 10 early signs that you or someone you love may be experiencing dementia:
❶ Memory loss that disrupts daily life. This includes asking the same questions repeatedly and depending on memory aids or family members for things previously handled independently.
❷ Challenges in planning or solving problems. This may involve trouble developing and following a plan or working with numbers.
❸ Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Examples include trouble driving to familiar locations or remembering the rules of favorite games.
❹ Confusion with time or place. This includes losing track of dates, seasons or forgetting where they are or how they got there.
❺ Difficulty with visual perception and spatial relationships. Beyond cataract-related vision changes, this may involve problems with balance, reading, judging distance and determining color and contrast.
❻ New problems with speaking or writing. Examples include trouble following conversations, stopping or getting lost mid-conversation, or repeating oneself. There may also be difficulty remembering words or using wrong words.
❼ Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps. While normal occasionally, it’s concerning if this happens frequently and they can’t retrace their steps.
❽ Poor judgment and decision-making. This may involve increased poor judgment with money or personal grooming.
❾ Withdrawal from work or social activities. As they notice thinking changes or difficulty holding a conversation, they may withdraw from work, hobbies and socializing.
❿ Changes in mood and personality. Becoming confused, depressed, fearful or anxious, or getting easily upset in situations out of their comfort zone are other early warning signs.
If you notice some of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. Take steps today to protect your brain health. Know sooner and live better.
HAWAI‘I DEMENTIA INITIATIVE
Executive Office on Aging, Hawai‘i State Dept. of Health
250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813-2831
DOH.Dementia@doh.hawaii.gov | hawaiidementia.org
For local resources: 808-643-ADRC (808-643-2372)
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
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