With 10 million cases being diagnosed every year globally, dementia is beginning to impact more and more people. One of these 10 million people may be a family member or friend. So, to ensure people have the proper care in place in the face of dementia, it is important to know the symptoms of the condition.
1. Forgetfulness
Memory loss is an outcome of dementia but it often starts in small steps during early-stage dementia. A sign of dementia may be forgetting small things like names, dates and information you have recently been told. However, it is important to know that forgetfulness can be a part of normal aging, and not a symptom of dementia.
2. Difficulty performing tasks
Everyday normal tasks may begin to become difficult for a person to complete. For example, cooking a meal may prove to be a challenge as remembering the steps to prepare the meal become difficult.
3. Communication difficulties
Participating in and joining conversations may become difficult. This is because the person may forget what they were saying or what other people were saying. Also, it can be difficult to find the right words to use.
4. Mood Changes
The person may begin to have mood swings and react very emotionally to small situations which would normally not bother them. On the other extreme, a person with early-stage dementia may begin to show less and less emotion altogether. Due to the forgetfulness, the person may become more agitated as they face more confusion and find it more difficult to communicate what they need.
5. Orientation difficulties
Dementia can impact spatial memories so a person may begin toforget directions to and names of common places they travel to. They may also begin to forget the names of popular landmarks, and overall, feel disorientated.
How can MindMate help?
The MindMate app consists of many games and online Alzheimer’s and dementia tests backed by science. MindMate’s games and tests are designed for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to help reduce memory loss and improve long-term function. These games challenge your problem solving, mental speed and attention and may help to slow down cognitive decline in those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.