5 Early Signs of Dementia to Know

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect your cognitive functions, particularly your memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia cause, accounting for 60-80% of progressive cases. And the initial signs can be both difficult and important to spot.

At his New Rochelle, New York, offices, fellowship-trained neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani draws on his many years of experience treating dementia to help people experiencing it lead rich and fulfilling lives.

Here’s a look at common early signs of dementia to take note of:

1. Memory changes that start affecting everyday life

Many early signs of dementia seem universally relatable – things like forgetting someone’s name shortly after meeting them and losing important belongings. With dementia, though, memory issues become more frequent and progressively worse. If you occasionally lost your keys until recently and now lose them daily, that’s a possible sign to take seriously.

2. Forgetting how to do routine tasks

Dementia often affects your ability to complete seemingly basic, everyday tasks. Early on, you might notice that you’ve suddenly forgotten how to tie your shoes or how to play a game you’ve played frequently for years. 

Importantly, this dementia sign differs from being so distracted that you forget to tend to a task. Instead, even when you’re focused on the task, you can’t seem to recall how to take the appropriate steps. 

3. Difficulties with abstract thinking

Once dementia sets in, you may struggle to mentally process complex concepts that aren’t tied to people, objects, or concrete experiences – a type of cognition known as abstract thinking. Examples include thinking about finances, understanding metaphors, or analyzing a relationship challenge. Rather than easily process these matters, you find yourself stuck, confused, and frustrated.

4. Communication and language changes

Dementia can greatly impact your communication abilities. An early dementia sign might involve struggling more than usual to find the right words to express your thoughts or feelings. 

You might also forget seemingly simple words or substitute the wrong word for the forgotten one, which makes little sense to others. Rather than saying, “Please pass the salt,” for example, you might say, “Please run the salt.”

5. Lost interest in activities you used to enjoy

Losing interest in activities you once found pleasurable can indicate a mental health issue, such as grief or clinical depression. When interest loss accompanies progressive memory problems, however, or you forget what you once took delight in or initiate related plans, you could be experiencing dementia. 

What to do about early dementia signs

A range of conditions fuel dementia, and early treatment can go a long way toward keeping you as safe, healthy, and happy as possible. For these reasons, seeking expert care as soon as you notice dementia signs – in yourself or a loved one – is important.

Some dementia causes, such as nutrient deficiencies and infections, can be reversed. Others, like Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia (LBD), require long-term care. 

After a comprehensive exam and any needed tests to confirm your diagnosis and the underlying cause, Dr. Elyaderani will recommend a treatment plan. While the specifics vary, your plan may include medication, supplements, a healthier diet, and other lifestyle changes.

To learn more about dementia symptoms or get the support or treatment you need, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.