Below we answer the common question “What are the 10 warning signs of dementia?”.
While there are more than 10 potential warning signs and symptoms, we take a look at 10 of the most common. And, as always, try to do it clearly and by using plain English.
What Are the 10 Warning Signs & Symptoms of Dementia?
These are not the only warning signs of dementia. Signs of the condition vary depending on the cause of it. However, the warning signs listed below are a good place to start.
Also important to note is that if you or a loved one show some of these signs, it does NOT mean you/they have dementia. All of these signs can be caused be other things. Sometimes they’re just a normal part of the aging process. Other times, it’s a sign of some other disease or condition.
With that said, here’s a list of the 10 common warning signs and symptoms of dementia:
- Memory loss
- Listlessness
- Difficulty with change
- Loss of sense of direction
- Problems with thinking or problem solving
- Hard time finding the right words
- Confusion
- Language issues
- Mood or behavior changes
- Difficulties performing everyday tasks
Again, just because someone has one or more of the signs of dementia above, it doesn’t mean they have dementia. Other things can cause these symptoms.
If you (or a loved one) has symptoms of dementia, go see a doctor sooner rather than later. You want to get an accurate diagnosis so you know how to treat things the right way.
The more of the signs you/your loved one had and the more severe they are, the more important it is to seek medical advice.
Causes Of Dementia
There is no one leading cause of dementia. Some forms of it are genetic and others aren’t.
In fact, the most common type/cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It accounts for 60% – 70% of all dementia cases.
However, there are a number of other types/causes of dementia. These include:
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Alcohol related dementia (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
- Vascular Dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD)
- Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease
Dementia Prevention
Researchers around the world or working hard on the problem, but there is currently no cure for dementia.
There are, however, medications available that are helpful in reducing the symptoms. And there are programs, therapies and support groups that can help those with dementia and their families.
If you’re concerned you or a loved one has dementia, please go see a doctor. If the doctor does diagnose you with dementia, know that there are a lot of resources and support available. You are not alone.
Did This Answer Your Dementia Questions?
Did this article about the 10 warning signs of dementia answer your question? Was it clear and understandable? If you still have questions or something wasn’t clear, please let us know in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to answer your questions and/or update the article.
More About the Signs of Dementia
This article is part of a series we’ve written about the signs of dementia.
The next article in the series is “What are the signs of end stage dementia?”
