Dementia, often associated with memory loss, hides a variety of symptoms that manifest gradually and are easy to ignore. Lack of acuity in decisions, confusion when expressing oneself or the inability to manage financial matters are some of the indicators that can go unnoticed. until cognitive impairment is evident.
American psychotherapist Amy Bloom describes in her book “In Love” how her husband began to show almost imperceptible signs of early dementia, such as confusion about organizing a book club.
These types of incidents, which at first seem like oversights, add up until they reveal a greater disorder. Bloom recounts how her husband went to meetings on the wrong days or complained about non-existent messages, causing perplexity to those around him.
Not only memory loss characterizes dementia; Personality changes and alterations in behavior can be early indicators that something is not right. The author’s mother was a clear example, as she began to express uncourteous comments, a behavior that was out of her kind and reserved character.
According to Dr. Antonio Terracciano, professor at Florida State University in an interview for SCMP, these personality changes tend to be more noticeable with the progression of cognitive decline. His recent research has explored five main dimensions of personality and how these vary in the face of dementia, highlighting a pattern where traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness decrease, while neuroticism tends to increase.
One of the most subtle effects of dementia can be seen in the financial sphere. Many times, family members of people diagnosed with dementia become retrospectively aware of unfavorable or risky financial decisions their loved ones made.
A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, has raised a relevant hypothesis: recurrent falls in older people could be an early warning sign of dementia.
Research led by Dr. Alexander Ordoobadi revealed that older adults who suffer frequent falls present, in some cases, mild cognitive impairment, considered a precursor to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Falls are always a risk
Falls represent a significant risk in the geriatric population, especially because they tend to be attributed to normal aging rather than being evaluated as a possible symptom of dementia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 40 million serious falls requiring medical attention are recorded each year in older people, with consequences including fractures and injuries that can significantly reduce their mobility and quality of life. In severe cases, prolonged immobility can accelerate other medical complications, aggravating the health status of those affected.
In terms of driving, people with early dementia may show difficulties that, Although subtle at first, they represent a danger to both themselves and those around them. Ganesh Babulal, a professor of neurology at the University of Washington, describes driving as an activity that demands “perfect cognitive synchronization.” The inability to react appropriately, erratic decisions, or disorientation while driving are indicative that cognitive decline is progressing.
Although for many family members and caregivers the signs of dementia are not obvious at first, in retrospect, small signs may be noticed: changes in personality, lapses in financial judgment, difficulties getting around or falls.
Recent studies, such as those by Ordoobadi and Terracciano, expand knowledge about these initial symptoms and reveal that cognitive damage occurs in multiple formsthus warning about the need for early and adequate care.
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