Dementia is a health complication that interferes with your moods, emotions, and behaviors. It can be a collection of diseases and complications that affect your reasoning skills, memory, or other cognitive abilities. The board-certified neurologists at Integrated Neurology Services who have been diagnosing and treating dementia in Falls Church urge one not to conclude that they are suffering from the condition just by experiencing memory complications. However, several early symptoms are common and can help you know you have dementia.

1. Elusive Short-term Memory Changes

Although it has been mentioned that memory changes may not necessarily conclude that you have dementia, it can also be an initial sign of the complication. This is where you find yourself remembering things that happened years ago, but it is difficult for you to recognize what you had for breakfast. You can also find yourself not remembering where you have placed items more often. Also, you can enter a room and forget what you went there to do there.

2. You Can’t Find the Right Words

If you find it challenging to find the right words to express your thoughts, it can be another sign of dementia. This is where you can’t explain something fluently as you can’t find the right words to express your ideas. This makes other people find it challenging to have a conversation with you, and it can take longer than usual as you take much time trying to conclude.

3. Mood Changes

This is another common symptom of dementia that is difficult to notice. This is because it is always easier to notice mood changes in others than recognize your mood changes. That is why it is necessary to pay attention to what others are saying about your moods, as it can help you see any changes in yourself. For instance, depression is a type of early dementia which can be difficult to tell on your own. On the other hand, you can also experience some personality changes because dementia can affect your judgment. For example, you can shift from being shy to becoming outgoing.

4. Struggling to Complete Simple Tasks

If you experience a subtle shift in completing your regular tasks, it can indicate you have dementia. This can begin by finding it difficult to do some of your complex tasks of which you managed to do before. Over time, even simple tasks can become difficult for you. You may also begin to struggle with learning new ideas, how to carry out tasks, or follow new ideas.

5. Rise of Confusion

It has been found that you can often become confused if you are in the early stages of dementia. This is because your memory, thinking, and judgment is affected, making it difficult to interact with other people. You can find yourself confusing people or language. You can also find it difficult to remember someone you have met before, misplace your keys, or forget what comes next in your daily schedule.

6. Repetition

Due to general behavior changes and memory loss, you can find yourself being repetitive. This is a common sign of dementia where you can find yourself repeating your daily tasks or having the urge to collect items obsessively. You may also repeat yourself during a conversation where you can bring about what has already been settled.

If you endure any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact Integrated Neurology Services. The team of board-certified neurologists will help you diagnose and treat your condition.

Joyce Laroche