One person is diagnosed with dementia every 4 seconds!

I have witnessed my aunt struggle with dementia, and it is heartbreaking. This brain disease does not spare anyone. It is a so-called disease of time and aging. Since humans cannot create new brain cells and tissue once the already existing ones are gone, the neurodegeneration sets in.

This tragic process will cause individuals memory loss, confusion, and poor executive function. These are symptoms that will affect both physical and neurological health.

Is there a lingering worry about dementia and other similar conditions? A worry that you could have done something earlier? Once it is diagnosed, dementia can only be managed and controlled. But way before diagnosis, decades earlier, dementia can be delayed and prevented. And the best method of going about it is physical activity, a healthy diet, and lots of brain exercise.

Are you in your 40s or 50s? It is the perfect time to start learning a language, do mobile puzzles, and play word games in your spare time. 

As a qualified psychologist, I offer solutions to managing the onset of dementia for those that still have time, but first I delve into the telltale signs you should carefully look out for in yourself or your loved ones! Keep in mind that each individual’s experience will vary, and this list is not exhaustive. Professional assessment is required to access the right treatment.

Read more about LOOK OUT! 10 Subtle Signs of Dementia…

By 2030, one third of the world population will have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s.

The common denominator between dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s is the brain cell loss over time. It is delayable but, essentially, inevitable. With the world population getting older and natality rates stagnating, by 2030 neurodegenerative diseases will be the number one cause of death worldwide.

It can go unnoticed for ages until a loved one points it out. In these cases, it is important to form new habits and keep your independence.

As one dear member of the Behavior Secrets community described his experience with his 89 year old wife, she saw people that were not there, and she was thinking she lived somewhere else, then asking, “When are we going home?”

Sign 1: Memory loss

While it’s common for people to occasionally forget appointments and later recall them, individuals with dementia may forget more frequently or fail to remember them altogether.

Example: They may ask the same question multiple times within a short period, such as “What time is dinner?” even after being told moments earlier.

Sign 2: Difficulty in everyday tasks

Most people might occasionally overlook a step in a routine task, like serving all parts of a meal. In contrast, someone with dementia might struggle to complete multi-step tasks altogether, such as planning and preparing food.

Example: They might put toast in the microwave instead of the toaster, suddenly unsure how to operate kitchen appliances.

Sign 3: Disorientation

Dementia can cause confusion about familiar surroundings. A person may get lost in a well-known place, become unsure of their location, or believe they are living in a different time from their past.

Example: They might walk to a house they lived in 30 years ago, thinking they still live there, or not recognize their current home.

Sign 4: Speech problems

While everyone occasionally searches for the right word, dementia can lead to forgetting basic vocabulary or using incorrect terms. This can make their speech difficult to follow and also affect their ability to understand others.

Example: Instead of saying “pen,” they might say “writing thing” or use “shoe” incorrectly in a sentence, making communication difficult.

Sign 5: Abstract thinking & poor judgement

Understanding abstract concepts like money and numbers can become especially difficult for someone with dementia. They may no longer grasp what the figures mean or how to manage financial tasks.

Many situations in life require sound judgment. Dementia can impair this ability, resulting in inappropriate choices—such as wearing clothing that isn’t suitable for the weather.

Example: They might not understand a utility bill or may try to pay the same bill multiple times, forgetting it was already settled.

Sign 6: Poor spatial skills

Someone with dementia may lose the ability to accurately judge distances or directions, which can make tasks like driving potentially unsafe.

Example: They might stop too far from a curb, run a red light, or turn the wrong way onto a one-way street.

Sign 7: Misplacing things

While misplacing items occasionally is normal, a person with dementia might not only lose things more frequently but also forget their purpose—for example, not recognizing the use of a key.

Example: They may put the TV remote in the refrigerator or try to unlock the door with a spoon, not recognizing the keys.

Sign 8: Mood, personality, and behavior changes

Although mood changes happen to everyone, dementia can cause more severe and sudden emotional shifts. A person might become suspicious, withdrawn, uninhibited, or show uncharacteristic behavior.

Example: A typically calm person might suddenly become agitated or aggressive. They may accuse family members of stealing or act overly flirtatious with strangers, which was unlike their previous behavior.

Sign 9: Loss of initiative and motivation

It’s natural to lose interest in certain hobbies over time, but someone with dementia may lose motivation more broadly and may need reminders or encouragement to engage in activities they once enjoyed.

Example: A former avid gardener may stop tending their plants and need reminders or encouragement just to go outside.

Sign 10: Confusion

All in all, an overarching symptom would be general confusion. This can arise from any of the above signs and is deeply impairing healthy functioning.

Treat dementia today!

I encourage you to use your brain with these quick and fun brain exercises for seniors on Amazon. You will preserve your brain cells and train them to help you navigate life better and sharper.

However, the best time to start is way earlier than diagnosis time.

If you go into traditional healthcare, you will undergo several stages of screening. Depending on severity, these can include

• Medical history. Dementia will co-exist with other likely and related conditions.
• Family history. If your parents had dementia, the risks of descendants dealing with it increase.
• Physical examination. This is to help rule out other conditions that may present similarly.
• Laboratory tests. A variety of blood tests can be done to identify illness.
• Cognitive testing. Assessing thinking abilities, including memory, language, attention, and problem-solving, will help your professional to identify the type of dementia.
• Brain imaging. Brain scans via MRI look at the brain structure and can tell if certain areas are more affected (e.g., frontal lobe, central nervous system, etc.)

Diagnosed people can live happy lives

A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean the end of a fulfilling life. With early intervention, the right support, and a positive environment, many people with dementia continue to enjoy meaningful activities, maintain relationships, and experience joy in daily life.

Engaging in hobbies, social interaction, and routines can provide structure and emotional well-being. Also, support from family, friends, and health professionals plays a crucial role in helping individuals stay connected and involved. Challenges may arise, but with compassion and tailored care, people living with dementia can continue to find purpose, laughter, and happiness.

Do you or any loved ones suffer from dementia? Or do you suspect dementia early? Let us know what you think down below in the comments.

If you found this useful, continue reading 9 Behaviors Psychopaths Will Do To Grab Your Attention.