Dementia is an umbrella term for those with an impaired ability to remember things, think clearly, and make decisions. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s which features memory loss as one of the main symptoms. Those with dementia will need medications and brain boosting supplements as well as help with day to day tasks. They can receive this help from caregivers, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities. It is also important to consider great alert systems, such as medic alert bracelets, as this can help in the case of them getting confused in public so people know how to help them. Here are some of the early warning signs of dementia to look out for:

1. Short term memory loss

While memory loss eventually progresses with dementia and becomes worse, it usually starts as short term memory loss. This type of memory loss is described as the loss of memory of things that have occurred recently. Some examples include asking someone’s name more than once when they have already answered, being confused about the time or place, and having trouble understanding information received such as information from a recipe. If you are struggling with your short term memory it is a good idea to discuss possible causes with your medical practitioner.

2. Confusion

Those with dementia often experience confusion as a result of their symptoms. The severity of confusion can vary from day to day and in severity. One minute they might feel a little confused but it could progress into total mental disarray. This confusion might cause the patient to suffer from poor judgment, withdraw from social life, and stop participating in activities they once loved.

3. Trouble performing simple tasks

Those with dementia may find that completing tasks they have done their entire lives such as tying shoes or making a sandwich might prove difficult and become overwhelming. It may cause the patient to have difficulty learning new tasks as well. The difficulties they experience are as a result of memory loss and cognitive decline associated with dementia.

4. Repeating tasks or speech

Another early sign of dementia is repeating tasks or speech. This symptom can range in severity and is often associated with memory loss. The patient may repeat the same question over and over again, or may untie and retie their shoes repeatedly over the span of a few hours. This symptom can be confusing and even alarming for those around them.

5. Loss of interest

Those with dementia often lose interest in activities they once loved and in interacting with those around them. This can be caused by confusion and cognitive decline as well as mood swings associated with dementia. It is important they receive help if they start to withdraw from a counselor as well as from those they love as dementia only worsens the less mental and physical activity a person participates in.