Most first recognize symptoms of early-onset dementia when they experience or witness episodes of memory loss. It is useful to know that dementia is not a specific type of disease but rather an over-arching description of a wide variety of symptoms. Recognizing early signs can help get both physical and emotional support for the person experiencing dementia and for their family members.

Learn to recognize the signs of early-onset dementia so that you can know when to schedule an appointment with a medical professional. Be sure not to write them off as a result of fatigue or aging.

Recognizing Symptoms of Early Onset Dementia

Symptoms that should prompt professional attention will likely be those that surface enough to disrupt day-to-day activities or independence. Common dementia symptoms include:

• A markedly reduced level of focus and attention.
• Changes in language and behavior.
• A significant decline in memory.
• Changes in someone’s ability to problem-solve.
• Inability to make good judgment calls, including poor reasoning.

Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, several diseases cause dementia. Most dementia starts subtly with symptoms slowly increasing in severity over time. However, the first signs are usually slight memory lapses, not being able to remember details you previously did not struggle to come up with, as well as impairments to your thinking and reasoning skills.

Several diseases cause dementia, including:

• Vascular dementia.
• Huntington’s disease.
• Mixed dementia.
• Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy.
• Frontotemporal dementia.
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
• Parkinson’s disease dementia.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
• Lewy body dementia.

Taking a closer look at four common symptoms.

Forgetfulness.

If you are experiencing early onset dementia, you might find it difficult to simply retain recently learned information. You may feel like your mind is a sieve, forgetting important dates and events, or repeating questions again and again.

You may find yourself relying on memory aids such as reminder notes or setting an alarm to remind yourself of something you might otherwise forget to do. Family members often step in for tasks that you would previously be able to do by yourself.

Challenges in planning or solving problems.

Living with dementia will likely be characterized by a slow reduction in your ability to plan and work with numbers. You may struggle to follow a familiar recipe or keep track of your monthly bills. Concentration may become more difficult where it previously was not a problem. It could take far longer than before to complete tasks.

Forgetting the familiar.

It is often the case that those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia struggle to finish tasks they were used to completing each day. You may get confused driving to a location you often go to or forget the rules of a game you enjoy. You may now find yourself needing help to use the microwave or to navigate a formerly familiar application on your phone.

Time and Space Disorientation

Time can seem distorted if you have symptoms of early-onset dementia. Naming the day of the week can be allusive. You may wrack your brain in one moment, just to come up with its hours later. Those with early onset dementia are often unable to estimate time, easily lose track of time over a short period, or struggle to name the season. Friends and family may notice you forgetting where you are or how you got there.

Support for coping with early onset dementia.

Coming to a deeper understanding of the symptoms of early-onset dementia symptoms is a significant journey. There could be grief, loss, or fear as you make sense of the changes you or your loved one might be experiencing.

If you are looking for additional support, browse our online directory of available counselors at Santa Monica Christian Counseling in California or contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to walk with you.