A doctor has revealed some of the early dementia symptoms that can be detected before issues with memory surface. Dementia is a degenerative brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in cognitive functions such as reasoning and memory. It also has an influence on communication and emotional capacity. according to a recent study, the condition can be identified by how someone walks.
What Is Dementia?
According to NHS statistics, there are around 944,000 people living with dementia in the United Kingdom. The disease affects one in every eleven people over the age of 65. As life expectancy rises, so does the prevalence of dementia. While there is no cure for the disorder, early identification is essential for developing an effective management and medication approach to alleviate symptoms. Physical symptoms can start before memory deterioration in some cases, contrary to the common belief that dementia is only associated with memory problems. Doctors have identified some early dementia symptoms that may indicate the onset of the disease.
Early Dementia Symptoms
Dementia is expressed differently in each person. However, if you detect any of these early indicators in yourself or a loved one, see a doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. Early identification and treatment can help manage your symptoms while also providing much-needed support. Dementia risk factors vary, with some unavoidable, such as age, and others manageable by changes in behavior in our younger years. Regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet have been shown to reduce one’s dementia risk. Other helpful changes involve maintaining a healthy weight, eradicating smoking, and lowering alcohol consumption. The NHS says that reducing saturated fats, salt, and sugar while increasing fiber intake could also be beneficial. Let’s take a look at some of the early dementia symptoms.
Read More: ‘I am losing my little girl to dementia’
Unsteady Gate
Walking unsteadily could indicate one of the earliest symptoms of dementia. This symptom can manifest as a loss of balance, regular stumbling, or a shuffling gait. Changes in gait occur when dementia affects the brain areas that regulate motor coordination. These difficulties may increase with time, increasing the likelihood of falls and injury. If someone begins to demonstrate unexpected changes in how they walk, they should seek medical attention.
Clumsiness
Being unusually clumsy is another subtle symptom to look out for. This could manifest as knocking things over or dropping them. or you could also have difficulty with tasks that require attention to detail, such as buttoning a shirt. These challenges emerge as dementia impairs the brain’s ability to process and carry out coordinated actions. While occasional clumsiness is natural for us all, worsening symptoms may signal something more serious.
Difficulty With Coordination
This symptom can be triggered by problems with spatial awareness and motor planning, which are brain-controlled functions. Tasks that previously felt natural can become annoyingly complex. Family and friends typically start to notice these changes in the person before the person does.
Stiffness and Tremors
Tremors or stiffness in the limbs may indicate the development of dementia, especially Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. These physical symptoms can make normal movements feel stiff or unstable, interfering with simple tasks like walking or handling objects. It’s important to identify these early dementia symptoms since they often lead to more studies into underlying changes in the brain and lead to the development of appropriate treatments.
Early Diagnosis of Dementia
Early identification of dementia makes it possible for patients to receive immediate assistance. However, according to a recent Alzheimer’s Society poll, only one-third of people see a medical professional within the first month of recognizing dementia symptoms in themselves or a loved one. Most people are hesitant to seek treatment because they are unsure whether the symptoms are related to the disease or just symptoms of aging. It’s important to remember that dementia is not a normal part of aging, and if you’re getting increasingly forgetful, particularly if you’re over 65, you should see your doctor.
The Bottom Line on early dementia symptoms
Recognizing these four early dementia symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. While people typically associate dementia with memory loss, physical symptoms often actually appear first. Early diagnosis allows patients to have access to support and helps develop effective management strategies. Additionally, it also provides more opportunities for researchers to explore treatments that may potentially improve our daily lives. Staying informed and proactive enhances the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia. Reducing stigma around dementia-related concerns encourages timely medical attention and better outcomes for those impacted.
Read More: Bruce is ‘No Longer Completely Verbal’ Amid Battle with Dementia