Whether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to know the warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a catch-all term for changes in the brain that cause a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life. It can diminish focus, attention, language skills, problem-solving and visual perception. Dementia can also make it difficult for a person to control his or her emotions and can even lead to personality changes.
Although symptoms of dementia vary from person to person, you should see a doctor if at least two of your core mental functions are impaired. Core mental functions are memory, communication and language, ability to focus and pay attention, reasoning and judgement, and visual perception.
Here are some of the most common early signs of dementia.
1. Short-term memory loss
Difficulty thinking and memory loss are two more neurological signs of early onset of dementia.
2. Problems with language
Are you, or the person you know, forgetting words or substituting words that don’t fit into a conversation?
Anyone can have trouble finding the right word to express what they want to say. However, a person living with dementia may forget simple words or may substitute words such that what they are saying is difficult to understand.
3. Changes in mood or behavior
Are you, or the person you know, exhibiting severe changes in mood?
Anyone can feel sad or moody from time to time. However, someone living with dementia can show varied mood swings – from calmness to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.
4. Difficulty following conversations
Be aware if you are having issues following a conversation or understanding what others around your are saying whether in the workplace or at home.
5. Problems managing money
If adding or subtracting simple numbers suddenly becomes a challenge, take note. You want to pay attention to behaviors that prevent you from operating independently in daily life.
5. Loss of interest in hobbies
Watch out if you are finding yourself losing interest in your usual hobbies and activities. If you are ever unsure about yourself when it comes to your health, be sure to consult a professional medical doctor.
The most important method of combating dementia is to promote one’s brain health. Whether or not you exhibit early signs of dementia and regardless of your age, it is never too early to become proactive about your brain health:
How to combat dementia
1. Adopt a Mediterranean diet
Think about nourishing the brain the same way you do the rest of the body: with healthy nutrients. Everyday Health reports a Mediterranean diet focused on omega-3-rich fish, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fresh produce is among the best brain health diets.
2. Antioxidants are your friend
Antioxidants in green tea, caffeine in coffee and curcumin in turmeric are also linked to improved memory and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Exercise your way to a healthy brain
A healthy body has long been linked to a healthy mind. According to Everyday Health, a massive nearly 40-year study tracking 19,000 people found that cardiovascular fitness is directly linked to risk of dementia. So put on your running shoes; it’s time to exercise your way to a healthy brain.
Consider exercising outside as opposed to a gym. The vitamin D from the sun is thought to clear the brain of plaque buildup and thus prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Sleep!
Sleep allows the body to naturally cleanse the brain of toxic plaque. Be sure to get eight hours of sleep each night, and don’t fight drowsiness during the day. Embrace it. Take a nap.
5. Learn something new
Pick up a language or an instrument. Read often, play memorization games and do crossword puzzles. The maxim “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” is very much true for the brain. Challenge your brain every single day.
