Warning: This article contains discussion of dementia which some readers may find distressing.
As the holiday season approaches and families gather, it’s possible to notice subtle changes in loved ones that might typically go unnoticed throughout the year.
It is estimated that there are currently 6.7 million Americans living with dementia, and projections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest this figure could rise to 14 million by 2060.
As the number of cases continues to increase, it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs in those close to us, since early diagnosis can lead to timely treatment that may help alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life.
While many are aware of common dementia symptoms such as forgetfulness, slower cognitive processing, and difficulty with daily tasks, researchers have also identified some less apparent early warning signs.
Dr. Byron Creese, a senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University London, emphasizes the significance of early detection.
In a conversation with the Express, he noted, “We know that early diagnosis of dementia is really important to help people get the right support.”
He further explained, “To do that, we need to use every tool at our disposal.”
Although blood tests may become crucial in the future, Dr. Creese highlighted the need to recognize the full range of symptoms that could indicate increased risk.
He outlined six early indicators, saying, “It is important to look out for behavioral changes such as agitation, aggression, mood changes, anxiety, social withdrawal, and changes in behavior that were not there before.”
Observing these signs in a loved one could be cause for concern, particularly if they appear suddenly or seem atypical.
Dr. Creese elaborated, “These behavioral symptoms can emerge as new symptoms in older adults who are cognitively normal, and there is emerging evidence that they might be the first sign of an underlying disease like Alzheimer’s in some people.”
He pointed out that these personality and behavior changes might sometimes be more indicative than memory issues alone.
Dr. Creese concluded, “When these kinds of symptoms occur alongside memory and thinking problems, they seem to signal the greatest risk of dementia compared with memory and thinking complaints alone.”
If you have been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s and would like to talk to someone in confidence, you can reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.