Mild forgetfulness is normal in people of all ages. We all have those days when we can’t find our wallet or car keys or can’t remember the name of that old co-worker we unexpectedly met again after many years. Our minds are so busy processing different activities during the day that we sometimes miss small, less important details. It is called problematic when it becomes severe and begins to interfere with our daily activities. With age, we become more susceptible to mental health conditions known as dementia. It is not a specific disease but a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as loss of memory and judgment. Studies show that before dementia begins to appear, there are a number of warning signs that are difficult to detect. Although there is no cure for this mental health condition nor can it be prevented, starting treatment early can help you manage it in a better way. Here are 5 early warning signs of dementia. Inability to detect voices According to a new study conducted by Oxford researchers, the inability to detect voices in noisy environments may also be a sign of increased risk of dementia. The inability to detect speech in general can be seen as a sign of hearing loss, but Oxford researchers also suggest it is linked to dementia. According to researchers, people who have difficulty hearing in noisy environments are twice as likely to develop dementia as those who do not have hearing difficulties. Memory loss Memory loss is one of the early symptoms of dementia. A person who is about to develop this condition often has difficulty recalling information. They rely on family and friends to keep track of those details. People who occasionally forget something and then recall it later are not considered to have dementia. It’s just a matter of age. Difficulty performing familiar daily tasks With dementia, performing even basic tasks such as making a cup of tea and operating a computer becomes difficult. These are some tasks you may have been working on for several years but still find it difficult to complete. You may face this difficulty at work or at home. Difficulty following a conversation or finding the right words People with dementia may also have difficulty participating in a conversation or putting their thoughts into words. They may forget what they were saying or what others have said. Holding a conversation with such a person can be difficult and may take longer to conclude. Many people even start to misspell or make grammatical mistakes or their handwriting becomes difficult to read. Mood changes You can easily recognize the signs of dementia by frequent mood changes. Sometimes you may feel happy and energetic while others may look grim. There will be a gradual change in personality, which is quite obvious. People with depression are also at risk for this condition.
