Seven Lesser-Known Signs of Dementia that Might Surprise You

By: VGFS
Friday, August 4, 2023

While most people are aware of its familiar symptoms like memory loss, there are lesser-known signs of dementia that can be just as important.

Dementia is a condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. There are many forms of the condition, each with distinct characteristics, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), among others. Dementia is commonly associated with memory loss but many other symptoms can also present themselves. By exploring the little-known signs of dementia, you can better recognize the condition and seek treatment in its early stages.

Please read on to learn more.

Loss of Sense of Smell

Often disregarded or attributed to aging, changes in the ability to smell can impact one's enjoyment of food, sense of safety (for example, detecting spoiled food or gas leaks), and overall quality of life. Paying attention to this overlooked symptom can help identify dementia in its early stages.

Disorientation with Time and Place

Beyond simple forgetfulness, dementia can lead to confusion about time and place. Individuals may become disoriented, unable to recall the day, month, or their current location. This symptom can cause anxiety and a sense of unease as familiar landmarks of life become increasingly elusive.

Difficulty with Problem-Solving

Dementia can impair a person's ability to solve problems and make logical decisions. Tasks that were once routine, like following a recipe or writing checks, may become increasingly challenging. Individuals may struggle to connect the dots, find solutions, or understand cause-and-effect relationships, indicating cognitive decline.

Visual Processing Problems

Individuals with dementia may struggle with depth perception, have difficulty judging distances, or experience challenges with reading, writing, and interpreting visual information. These changes can impact daily tasks, such as driving, navigating crowded spaces, or even recognizing familiar faces.

Unusual Apathy or Increased Agitation

A change in behavior, such as a sudden lack of interest or withdrawal from activities, can be an early sign of dementia. Conversely, some individuals may exhibit increased agitation, restlessness, or irritability, which can be attributed to the cognitive changes occurring within.

Sleep Disorders

Those with dementia may experience changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Disrupted sleep can exacerbate cognitive decline, affect mood, and disrupt overall well-being. Identifying and addressing these sleep-related symptoms is vital in providing holistic care.

Emotional Disconnectedness

Dementia can manifest as a loss of empathy. Individuals may struggle to understand or respond to the emotions of those around them, leading to strained relationships. This emotional disconnect can be distressing for both the person with dementia and their loved ones, highlighting the importance of patience, emotional support, and understanding.

Recognizing these behavioral shifts can aid in early diagnosis and intervention. Dementia is a complex condition that extends beyond memory loss, and its lesser-known symptoms often go unnoticed. By familiarizing ourselves with these surprising signs, we can become better equipped to identify dementia in its early stages, allowing for timely support and care.

Let's continue raising awareness and promoting empathy for those affected by this condition. If you have questions about dementia or require additional resources, we are here to help. Please contact us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...

Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration? Seven Sneaky Symptoms That Might Surprise You

We pay close attention to the signs of dehydration we've grown accustomed to, but these less-apparent indictors are just as important. We all know staying hydrated is critical for good health, esp...

Planning Your Own Funeral? Here's Why That's a Smart Way to Go

Planning your funeral is an act of compassion that alleviates the stress on your family, allowing them to focus on healing and cherishing your memory. There are few things in life as poignant as c...

The AFRO Honors Morticians as Unsung Heroes

The AFRO honored the “Unsung Heroes” of the COVID-19 pandemic at Valley Mansion by Martin’s on Aug. 6. At a special event earlier this month, the media company commended morticians for their...

Seven Important Considerations When Making Funeral Decisions for a Departed Loved One

Making funeral decisions can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any f...

August is Black-Owned Business Month: We Celebrate With You

During August, we celebrate and recognize Black Business Month and the invaluable contributions generations of Black Americans have made in our communities, economy, and world. The forward momentu...

Wondering What to Bring to a Funeral or Celebration of Life?

While sympathy cards or floral arrangements are customary, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to what to bring to a funeral, memorial, or life celebration. While our presence at a funera...

How to Ease Your Child's Grief: Ten Must-Know Funeral Tips for Parents

When your child is bereaved, it can be hard to know the right things to say and do. These funeral tips for parents offer the guidance you need. Like adults, children need time to grieve the loss o...