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Memory lapses, forgetting words, and trouble concentrating often come with age — but they can also be early signs of dementia. British experts have shared ways to distinguish between the symptoms of the disease and the typical signs of aging.
Memory
How often and how severe someone’s memory lapses are can help distinguish dementia from normal aging.
If a person suddenly forgets where they left their phone or what they were told a little while ago, it’s likely just part of aging. But if they get lost in their own home or in other very familiar places, the situation is more serious.
People around them may notice that the person seems different than they did a short time ago, noted Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at Dementia UK.
Many of us may start to forget details we learned some time ago. But a person with dementia often forgets what they just heard, says Jaina Engineer, manager at the Alzheimer’s Society.
People with dementia may repeatedly ask the same question, such as “Are the doors locked?” They might also put items in unusual places. They also find it harder to perform simple tasks, like getting dressed or changing TV channels. Following the correct order of routine tasks can become a challenge.
Paul Edwards says relatives usually notice these changes for about six months before seeking medical advice.
Language
Many older adults have more trouble finding the right words or keeping a conversation going. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to panic.
Jaina Engineer warns that if a person consistently forgets the names of common objects, struggles to find words, or repeatedly loses their train of thought, those could be signs of dementia.
Mood and Behavior
No one expects someone to be upbeat all the time. But if a person becomes more easily irritated for no clear reason or experiences extreme mood swings, that can be a sign of dementia.
Another indicator may be a person becoming increasingly withdrawn from work, friends, or family. Dementia can make social interaction much harder and can erode a person’s confidence. People with dementia often prefer to stay home rather than spend time with others where they must constantly follow the flow of conversation.
Edwards says, “People become angry, frustrated, and anxious because they can’t function as they used to.”
Vision
Recent studies have shown that eye health issues significantly increase the risk of developing dementia.
Engineer notes that it’s normal for vision not to be as sharp as in youth, and many people need to rely on glasses.
However, people with dementia often struggle to process visual information, including distinguishing colors. This can lead to misinterpreting images.
The eyes send signals to the brain to help interpret what we see, but dementia can distort those signals on their way to the brain, the expert explained.
Edwards says individuals with dementia often mistake shiny floors for water. During meals, they may see only half a plate instead of the whole thing. In certain types of dementia, hallucinations can even occur, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Decision-Making
Some difficulties making decisions can be a normal part of aging. But if someone gets lost in a familiar place or can’t find their way home, that’s likely a sign of dementia.
Sometimes people make impulsive decisions because they can no longer process information as they used to, or because their personality has changed. That can be a red flag to get evaluated, says Ms. Engineer.
She says a decline in the ability to make deliberate decisions can have serious consequences for the person and those around them, especially when it comes to finances or personal safety.
