Warning Signs of Dementia
1. Memory Loss – Difficulty remembering recently learned information, such as the name of a person they just met.
2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems – Problems with solving everyday problems, such as following a recipe.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks – Not being able to complete routine tasks such as paying bills or managing medications.
4. Confusion with Time or Place– Getting lost in familiar places or not knowing what day or season it is.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships– Problems with reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing– Struggling to follow or join a conversation, or repeating themselves.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps– Putting things in unusual places, like an iron in the freezer, and being unable to retrace their steps to find them again.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment – Making bad decisions, such as giving large amounts of money to telemarketers.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities – Avoiding activities that were once enjoyed, such as social activities, hobbies, and sports.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality – Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.