Early warning signs of dementia

1. Subtle changes in short-term memory

Having memory problems can be an early sign of dementia. These memory changes are usually subtle and often involve short-term memory. For example, a person with dementia may vividly recall an event many years ago but may be unable to remember what they had for breakfast.

2. Difficulty with communicating one’s thoughts

Another early warning sign of dementia is difficulty in finding the right words. A person who has dementia may find it hard to explain a point. They also have difficulty expressing themselves with the right words. Such people may pause in the middle of a sentence with no idea how to continue. Very few things are as challenging as having a conversation with a person who has dementia. It usually takes longer for them to express their feelings or thoughts.

3. Mood changes

Mood changes are also common among people with dementia. Depression, for example, is a widespread occurrence in the early stage of dementia.

A person with dementia may seem more anxious or fearful than before. They also get vexed or upset if they are forced into unfamiliar situations. You may also observe personality changes, such as a shift from being quiet or shy to being extroverted.

4. Apathy

Apathy is also known as listlessness. It is another common warning sign in early dementia. A person who has dementia may lose interest in activities or hobbies. Going out may not appeal to them anymore. Spending time with family and friends may not appeal to them anymore, and they may seem emotionally flat.

5. Inability to complete tasks

A subtle shift in one’s ability to complete basic tasks is another early symptom of dementia. It usually begins with the inability to complete complex tasks, such as:

· Following a recipe

· Tracking one’s bills

· Balancing an accounting record

The affected person may also struggle to follow new routines or learn new things.

6. Repetition

Repetition is a common symptom in people with dementia. It is due to general changes in behavior and memory loss.

The affected person may do daily tasks repeatedly, like bathing or shaving. They may tell a story over and over again or repeat questions in a conversation.

Causes of dementia

It is important to note that dementia is caused by damage to the brain’s nerve cells.

But on the other hand, dementia is not just a single condition. It is an umbrella term that covers a range of cognitive disorders. Alzheimer’s disease is a typical mental disorder, accounting for 60% — 80% of cases (2).

Factors that may contribute to damage of the brain’s nerve cells include:

· Trauma to the head

· Deficiency in blood supply to the head

· Accumulation of specific proteins in the brain

· Vitamin deficiencies

· Reaction to specific medications

Risk factors for dementia

Some risk factors are uncontrollable. These include your sex, age, and family history. However, you may have some level of control over other risk factors commonly referred to as “modifiable risk factors.”

The most common risk factors for dementia include:

· Age: A 2020 study (3) found that age is the most significant risk factor for dementia. Most dementia patients are above 65 years old, and the risk increases as a person get more aged.

· Gender: A review (4) published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience suggests that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is higher in women. The same study indicates that men have a higher risk of developing other kinds of dementia outside Alzheimer’s disease.

· Family history: A history of dementia in one’s family is a significant risk factor. Vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia have genetic components.

· Vascular conditions: A 2005 research (5) found that factors that affect the health of your arteries and veins may increase your risk of dementia. These include:

• Heart disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Shortage of blood supply to the brain

· Vitamin deficiencies: A study (6) suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of dementia.

How can I prevent dementia?

It is important to note that there is no tried-and-tested way to prevent the development of dementia. However, some steps can reduce one’s risk of developing this condition. These include:

· Abstain from smoking

· Stay mentally active. Memory games, reading, and word puzzles will help

· Boost your intake of vitamin D

· Eat a balanced diet at every meal. Ensure that your foods are rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids.

· Correcting your foundation back to normal, which has been shown in studies to optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and decrease the risk of dementia (7). Schedule a complimentary consultation here to get your foundation checked today.

Disclaimer: Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Correction to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this video or others.