early signs of Dementia

[kath1948]

Hi there, I am looking for early signs of dementia, finding myself trying to figure out what day it is some mornings and other things

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Kath1948 and welcome to this caring forum where you will receive support from other members. Different types of dementia can affect people differently and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. There are, however, some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia is made, and these include---

memory loss, problems with concentration, finding it difficult to undertake familiar tasks, eg, becoming confused with managing money when shopping, having difficulty with following a conversation, finding the right words to say. Also, experiencing confusion about time and place and changes in mood.

These symptoms are often mild and are often termed as Mild Cognitive Impairment [MCI] Some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia. Dementia is not a natural part of aging, so this is why it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you can if you are at all concerned about memory problems and other symptoms. Effective treatments are available and more information can be found on the following website---

Dementia UK

dementiauk.org understandingdementia

I hope this is helpful to you. Are any members able to help Kath1948, please? Thank you and best wishes.

[sassy59]

Hello kath, if you’re worried it might be a good idea to speak to you’re GP as he can arrange tests if needed.

I do wish you well and let us know how things go. Xxxx

[Philip]

Hi, I have dementia, diagnose Christmas 2014; but started when I was 50, I started hot remembering days, my appointments we're causing a huge amount of problems, only sorry did not go to my GP earlier. Mine is early onset Vascular Dementia, please go see your Dr.esap.

Philip

[lell1]

The later you seek support, the less opportunities to sort things if you get a positive diagnosis? You may also be getting unnecessarily anxious should it not be?

[honjen43]

I don't think I am cognitively impaired, however I have difficulty remembering names, where I put things, and consecutive directions. I am monitoring what else happens!

I find if my thoughts seem "woolly", that CoQ10 capsules help improve my state and I become more focussed after a month of taking them.

I think it is important not to stress out about what might be wrong! If you are concerned, please talk to your GP and get a professional opinion. It may be that you are just stressed out, or have some minor problem that can be sorted.

Take care!

Hugs

Jen xxx

[Gambit62]

There are a number of things that can cause memory problems - and not all of them are dementia. Would be a good idea to check with your GP and ask them to run a series of tests, including blood tests, to rule out other possibilties such as anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid.

[Hidden]

Hi Kath1948,

I see that you've just joined us in the Care Community, so a very warm welcome to you.

There's no one set of pointers for dementia, and the only one rule is that, if you are concerned, (and you've asked the question, so you must be at least a little bit,) don't ignore this. Make an appointment with a GP and explain your worry. There's a simple test available that will help to diagnose whether you have the early signs of dementia.

You are being really sensible in acknowledging you are a bit worried, because now is the time to be doing something about it, not when it's become a real issue and it's harder to give you proper medical help.

So don't be scared. Make that appointment now, and, whatever the outcome, if you want to ask more questions as a result, or just to chat, please feel very welcome to join in here.

[katieoxo60]

Please be careful, sometimes people get confused with stress and anxiety, and if you have dementia changes in living patterns can cause confusion. A freind of mine had a big callender with colour labels i.e yellow for monday , blue for tuesday ect. I have colour stars in my diary so I know there is a birthday or other thing on that day, not remembering names applies to many people. I am good at remembering names but can't remember where my mobile is, but I have not got dementia to my knowledge. Go and see your Gp if you are concerned Best wishes

[klr31]

The B vitamins are supposed to be good for memory and cognitive problems. Also, check your iron levels at the doctors.

Karen