The first signs of dementia that appear in the company of friends

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It's important to seek medical attention if you think someone is showing signs of dementia, a doctor said.

Dementia is a syndrome or group of related symptoms associated with ongoing brain decline.

It most commonly affects people over the age of 65, meaning it can often be mistaken for normal memory problems associated with aging.

However, there are certain memory problems that should be investigated as they could signal dementia.
While there is no cure for dementia, there are treatments and support that can help make a diagnosis, which is important for a person's quality of life.

A neurologist has spoken about the signs of dementia to look out for.

She said the first sign of memory problems related to dementia can be forgetting to do everyday tasks.

“Sometimes people notice that they forget to do certain tasks, such as taking their morning-after pill,” says the neurologist.

However, the first signs of dementia are most noticeable in social settings, the doctor warned.

“The first signs of dementia most often occur during social interactions – when you ask the same question, forget answers or don’t remember appointments. And they are picked up by friends or relatives.”

People with dementia may have a “hard time” following a conversation or finding the right words, which can make it difficult to communicate with friends.

According to the doctor, “repeated” questions are also a sign of Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia. Frontotemporal dementia can also cause symptoms that apply to social situations. These include personality changes.

“A decreased sensitivity to other people's feelings, which can make people seem cold and indifferent.”

Some people with frontotemporal dementia may show a lack of social awareness.

“Inappropriate jokes or a lack of tact, although some people can become very withdrawn and apathetic.”
They may also say, “It’s hard to find the right words or understand them.”

What to do if someone shows signs of dementia

If you suspect that you or a loved one has dementia, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to get an assessment and diagnosis.

She advised making an appointment with a therapist to discuss your concerns.

“Before your appointment, make a list of the symptoms you’ve noticed, when they started, and anything that’s bothering you. This will help you provide as much information as possible during your visit.”

Other symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• You have difficulty performing normal everyday tasks, such as not being able to find the right change when shopping
• Confusion about time and place
• Mood swings.