Contrary to popular belief, dementia isn’t one specific disease, but rather a condition with an array of symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgement, and difficulty solving problems. In any case, it would be valuable to implement a great alert system, such as a medic alert bracelet, to keep the patient safe. Typically affecting older individuals, dementia can be divided into several categories including Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s Disease.

Risk factors for dementia vary, but some of the more prominent ones are difficulty performing daily tasks, difficulty with abstract thinking, and of course, loss of memory. To better help you understand these warning signs, let’s take a look at seven early signs of dementia:

1. Loss of Memory
Memory loss is the most well-known symptom of dementia, and can take a variety of different forms. One of the most troubling is the inability to recall information. This can make performing daily tasks difficult. Loss of memory can also lead to difficulty forming new memories, trouble recognizing people you know, and struggling to find the needed words during a conversation.

2. Difficulty solving problems
Simply being able to think through problems is an ability we often take for granted, but individuals experiencing dementia can have great difficulty with this. This can take the form of having trouble with simple tasks like unlocking a door, or more complex tasks like preparing a meal. Generally speaking, the more complex a task, the more difficulty the afflicted individual will have. Unfortunately, these problem-solving difficulties can eventually lead to a person not being able to adequately care for themselves.

3. Confusion about time and place
Another early sign of dementia is the tendency to become disoriented and experience confusion about times or places. This can be very frightening for the person experiencing disorientation, and it can even be dangerous as they may wander into an unsafe area or situation. If the condition gets particularly bad, the afflicted individual may need to be constantly monitored to prevent accidents or injury.

4. Challenges understanding visual information
This early sign of dementia affects a person’s ability to process visual information.  They might have difficulty reading or comprehending images.  You might notice them struggling to read through a book, follow a TV show, or understand road and traffic signs.  These things can become very dangerous for the person experiencing dementia, as well as those around them.

5. Speech issues
Having difficulty talking is another early sign of dementia, but it tends to come as a result of other factors on this list, such as loss of memory, difficulty with decision making, and confusion. In other words, it typically isn’t a motor function issue, but rather an issue caused by mental challenges. One of the worst aspects of this symptom is that it can make it difficult for the afflicted individual to accurately communicate their condition to caretakers, family members, and doctors who are trying to help them.

6. Misplacing personal items
This is another early sign of dementia that arises from the loss of memory. The reason this sign is listed separately is that it is one of the earliest warning signs to be on the lookout for if you suspect a loved one is developing dementia.  Although everyone misplaces things sometimes, if someone is doing it with noticeable frequency it could be a sign of dementia.

7. Poor judgement
Experiencing poor judgment can be the result of a combination of other dementia related issues, and it is an early sign that can be particularly dangerous. Impaired judgement can be a problem when driving, cooking, boating, or during other activities that can endanger not only the person suffering from it, but those around them as well.

Unfortunately, dementia isn’t a condition that can be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. This is typically done through the use of supplements for memory, prescription medication, and behavioral therapy. If the condition has progressed far enough, seeking out a top senior assisted living care near you is a good option. In any case, the sooner dementia is detected and treated, the better it’s progress can be slowed, allowing individuals to continue leading normal lives.