Watching a loved one begin to suffer with memory skills and loss can be quite heartbreaking. At first you may not even really notice much. In our own day to day activities we can often become forgetful. There are many times someone in wonderful mental health will walk into a room, become distracted and completely forget why they entered the room. Because of our hectic daily lives we often do not notice these early signs in elders until more warning bells start ringing.

If you are concerned that your loved one might be showing signs of dementia here are 5 very common signs to look for:

1. Memory loss

Memory loss is one of the most common signs of dementia. People suffering from this can have 2 types of memory loss. These types are past and present. In some cases people forget important life events that happened at some point in their life. The passing of a parent, a wedding, buying a house or the birth of a grandchild can be examples of this type of memory loss. Present memory loss is when those suffering forget things they were just told. Perhaps they were reminded of a doctor’s appointment and within an hour they have completely forgotten they are going to the doctor that day.

2. Difficulty processing what is said

We all go through times where someone is speaking and we’re completely turning them out because we are distracted. A certain level of distraction is common sometimes. If your loved one is always tuning you out and cannot focus on what you are saying you need to have this brought to their doctor’s attention. In addition to dementia or Alzheimer’s they could be suffering from hearing loss or other ailments.

3. Misplacing things

Misplacing things from time to time is normal. Misplacing things all of the time is an early onset sign and should not be ignored.

4. Difficulty with routine tasks

Normal daily tasks such as getting dressed, doing repetitive chores around the home and driving to common places become ingrained in us. When your loved one has a hard time performing these tasks or gets lost while out quite a bit it is time to talk to a medical care provider.

5. Confusion

Confusion is normal when the task at hand is new or difficult. Confusion over normal tasks or things being said is not normal. It means there is a lack of understanding or possibly even hearing. Retaining what is being said and declining memory skills could be causing the confusion.

6. Dementia vs. alzheimer’s disease

There is a difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease that can even become early onset and impact people as young as their 30’s and 40’s. There is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and those suffering from it are neurologically impacted by forgetting. Dementia is a group of symptoms that will occur and result in the gradual decline of a person’s memory abilities. Alzheimer’s actually accounts for more than 60% of the patients that are suffering from dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s as it progresses include:

• Memory loss
• Disorientation
• Changes in behavior

Elderly patients who regularly visit their doctor will be monitored in their memory function abilities. Younger patients that experience frequent memory loss or any of the other above mentioned warning signs should make their practitioner aware of their concerns so they can also be monitored. Once a patient is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s they are closely monitored and often given many cognitive exercises to help them combat progression as long as possible.