Memory lapses, forgetting words, and difficulty concentrating are often signs of natural aging. However, these symptoms can also be early indicators of dementia. British experts have shared ways to distinguish between the symptoms of the disease and the typical signs of aging.
Memory
The frequency and severity of instances when someone says, “my memory is failing me,” can indicate the difference between dementia and normal aging.
If a person suddenly forgets where they left their phone or what they were told a little while ago, it’s likely just a part of aging. However, if they get lost in their own home or in other very familiar places, the situation is more serious.
Everyone around them may notice that the person seems somewhat different than they were just recently, noted Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at Dementia UK.
Many of us may start to forget details we learned some time ago. But a person with dementia often forgets what they just heard, said Jaina Engineer, manager at the Alzheimer’s Society.
Those suffering from dementia may repeatedly ask the same question, such as, “Are the doors locked?” They might also place items in unusual locations. Additionally, people with dementia find it harder to perform simple tasks, like getting dressed or changing TV channels. The correct order of routine operations can also become a challenge.
According to Paul Edwards, relatives of these individuals typically observe such changes for about six months before seeking medical advice.
Language
Many men and women in their mature years may find it harder to find the right words or maintain a conversation. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to sound the alarm.
But if a person consistently forgets the names of common objects, struggles to find the right word, or suddenly loses their train of thought, these could be signs of dementia, warned Jaina Engineer.
Mood and Behavior
No one expects you to radiate positivity all the time. But if you find yourself getting irritated more often without any particular reason or experiencing extreme mood swings, this could also signal dementia, experts believe.
Another indicator of dementia may be a person becoming increasingly withdrawn from work, friends, or family. Dementia makes social interaction with others much more challenging and can significantly impact self-confidence. People with dementia often prefer to stay home rather than spend time in company where they need to constantly follow the flow of conversation.
According to Mr. Edwards, “people become angry, frustrated, and anxious because they can’t function as they used to.”
Vision
Recent studies have shown that eye health issues significantly increase the risk of developing dementia.
As Jaina Engineer noted, it’s perfectly normal for your vision not to be as sharp as it was in your youth, and you may need to rely on glasses.
However, people with dementia often face challenges in processing information, including distinguishing colors. This can lead to misinterpretations of images.
This happens because the eyes send messages to the brain to help it correctly interpret what is seen. However, dementia distorts these messages on their way from the eyes to the brain, the expert explained.
According to Mr. Edwards, individuals with dementia often mistake shiny floors for water surfaces. During meals, they may see only half of a plate instead of the whole thing. In certain types of dementia, hallucinations can even occur, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Decision-Making
Sometimes difficulties in making decisions can indicate normal aging. But if you find yourself lost in a familiar place or unable to find your way home, it’s likely a sign of dementia.
There are times when a person makes many decisions without thinking them through because they can no longer process information as they used to, or because their personality seems to have changed significantly. This could be a red flag to seek an evaluation, according to Ms. Engineer.
She stated that a decline in the ability to make conscious, considered decisions can have very serious consequences for the individual and those around them, especially when it comes to money or personal safety.