How to predict dementia years before diagnosis: three “silent” symptoms

At its most basic, dementia is the deterioration of mental functions associated with brain damage. Most often, dementia develops with age, but it is not a normal part of aging.

Almost eight million cases of dementia are recorded every year, and according to experts, if in 2015 46 million people suffered from it, by 2050 the number of patients will increase to 131 million.

Each case of dementia places a heavy burden on the patient’s family. This is why it is so important to detect the disease in time: early diagnosis is the main component of successful treatment.

Beware of experts who describe disease symptoms that seem “silent” – appear early and often look like a minor problem that can be ignored.

Three such red flags were recently reported by the UK edition of The Sun, MD Monica Wasserman. According to her, it is necessary to monitor how a person copes with simple daily activities.

Washing dishes, washing and hanging things, putting them in their place, cooking porridge for breakfast – such tasks do not require mental stress. We’ve done all of this a million times, so we’re performing the usual actions on autopilot.

But if a person cannot cope with household chores that are part of the daily routine, this indicates problems. If you notice that your parents can’t finish what they started, it means it’s time to go to the doctor.

Another sign that Dr. Wasserman advises paying attention to is difficulty learning something new. It’s not about learning Swahili: try to remember if, for example, elderly parents have difficulty with the new multicooker, although it is very similar to the old one?

In addition, explains the expert, one should not ignore the difficulties that arise in communication. “When dementia sets in, it can be difficult for people to express their thoughts or ideas. At the same time, it’s harder for them to understand others,” says Wasserman.

Anyone who notices these alarming symptoms, Wasserman advises not to delay a visit to a neurologist. She also recommends that everyone engage in dementia prevention: reduce alcohol, saturated fat, salt and sugar intake, quit smoking, eat more fiber and exercise more often.