Dementia develops as a result of dysfunctional brain nerve cells. This condition affects a patient’s cognitive abilities, which is their capacity to process information, interact with others, and think. Although it is more common among the elderly, it is not a natural consequence of becoming older. There is an expected decline in brain function with age, but people with dementia experience this decline much faster. Dementia comes in various forms, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent, as reported by the National Institute on Aging. Other forms include vascular disorders, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia. Here are the top early symptoms of dementia:

1. Poor movement or mobility

Dementia’s early symptoms may include the inability to get up and move about after sitting or standing motionless. Also, movements might become more sluggish or jerky as dementia progresses, increasing the risk of falls and other accidents. Therefore, keeping your mobility is crucial even if you don’t feel as secure going about as you once did. In addition, a caregiver can assist a dementia patient walk more efficiently by giving external stimulation like caressing the patient on the arm.

2. Apathy and depression

Dementia’s early stages often manifest as apathy or depression. Dementia may cause a person to lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. For instance, they could lose interest in socializing and entertaining activities. Or they may also withdraw from social activities and seem emotionally unresponsive.

3. Trouble performing everyday tasks

People with dementia may have difficulties doing routine activities. They may have problems with everyday tasks like adjusting the volume on the TV, using the internet, brewing a cup of tea, or finding their way home. The problem with performing routine duties might arise at home or the workplace. In addition, individuals with dementia may have difficulty learning new skills and focusing and may take a long time to complete tasks or have trouble starting them.

4. Loss of memory

A typical sign of dementia is memory loss. Individuals with dementia may struggle to remember recent events. Therefore, they may depend on their loved ones or external memory aids. Usually, the shifts are imperceptible, and they mainly affect short-term memory. Some people with dementia may recall details from their past, even decades ago, while others can’t recall even what they ate for breakfast this morning. As we become older, we tend to forget things more often. However, it’s vital to remember that even if this early dementia symptom is present, a person’s long-term memory may remain unaffected.

5. Personality and behavior changes

Dementia often causes a shift in mood. It might be challenging to spot the symptoms of dementia in yourself, but you may see them in a loved one. Someone with dementia may also appear more worried or paranoid than usual. They may experience stress if anything disrupts their regular pattern or if you place them in a new setting. In addition, you may also notice a personality change. A common personality change associated with dementia is increased social interaction and sociability among formerly introverted or quiet individuals, or vice versa. Another possible side effect is that they may become less inhibited and perhaps start taking unreasonable risks.

Don’t overlook the warning signs of cognitive decline if you or a loved one are experiencing them. Make an appointment with your doctor right away. Although certain forms of dementia currently have no known cure, medical professionals can propose therapies that may help reduce the disease’s development.