It’s not just forgetfulness: 8 early warning signs of dementia
Story by Beth Greenfield
Misplacing your phone, forgetting the name of that guy in that movie, and needing to ask the bank teller what the date is are all normal brain lapses as you age.
But if you’re worried about dementia—a fear that affects nearly 40% of adults 55 and over—it’s important to understand the real symptoms.
Dementia, the general term for loss of memory, language, and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life, is most commonly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease.
But other types are Lewy body dementia (which Robin Williams had been diagnosed with before his death by suicide), Parkinson’s dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia—the condition affecting both Bruce Willis and Wendy Williams.
The estimate of how many people will develop dementia in their lifetimes is now higher than ever—42% for both men and women, according to a new study—with about 1 in 9 Americans 65 and older currently dealing with dementia, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and 55 million people affected worldwide.
Below are some early dementia signs—many unexpected—to watch out for.
1. Vision changes
Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships, including vision changes that could lead to issues with balance or reading and difficulty judging distance or seeing color contrasts, can affect some people living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
2. Nightmares
A large 2022 cohort study found that middle-aged adults who had bad dreams at least once a week were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline in the coming decade. It also found that older adults plagued by nightmares were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia than peers who never had bad dreams.
Such bad dreams may “identify people who are at high risk of developing dementia in the future, several years or decades before the characteristic memory and thinking problems emerge,” neuroscience researcher and study lead Abidemi Otaiku told Medscape Medical News.
“This would be the optimum time for doctors to intervene to try and slow down or prevent dementia from developing.” Acting out dreams and suddenly talking in one’s sleep could be another sign, according to older research.
3. Diminished sense of smell
Loss of olfactory function is also an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, according to recent findings published in Neurology. It found that the link between sense of smell and cognitive changes may be especially pronounced among those who develop cognitive impairment or dementia,
4. Changes in behavior including apathy, mood swings or increased anxiety
Apathy, according to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, could be a sign that someone is progressing from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (less severe than dementia) to Alzheimer’s disease.
Acting increasingly anxious, confused, fearful, irritable, or suspicious, meanwhile, may also be a sign of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association—as can a person’s withdrawal from social activities, due to difficulty following and taking part in conversations.
5. Disruptive memory loss, including word loss
One of the most common early signs of dementia is short-term memory loss—as is forgetting important dates or events, repeating questions over and over, and an increasing need to rely on reminder notes, phone alerts, or family members for things previously handled independently, notes the Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition, language problems such as not being able to find the right word, using the wrong word as a substitute, or jumbling the order of words may be a sign, particularly of frontotemporal dementia.
6. Trouble multitasking or completing familiar tasks
Experiencing changes in one’s ability to develop and follow a plan, work with numbers, follow a familiar recipe, or keep track of monthly bills are all signs to pay attention to—as is having difficulty concentrating or taking much longer to do things than before.
Another sign is that it’s suddenly hard to complete daily tasks, such as driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game, notes the Alzheimer’s Association.
7. Poor judgment
A change in judgment or decision-making skills is another early sign—using poor financial judgment, for example, letting their grooming fall by the wayside.
Further, according to the findings of a recent study, being vulnerable to financial scams could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Depression
A sudden onset of depression later in life can also be a warning sign of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, which notes that up to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression. My mother has been struggling with anxiety brought on by vascular dementia, however, my message to her is that you have to keep counting your blessings every day because it can always be worse. And until you stop feeling that way you will always be depressed.
What is buspirone?
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine that affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety. Buspirone is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and other physical symptoms.
Buspirone is not an anti-psychotic medication antidepressant – Search and should not be used in place of medication prescribed by your doctor for psychotic disorders. Depression may also be a precursor to dementia, according to a 2023 study published in JAMA Neurology, which found that dementia risk more than doubled for adults previously diagnosed with depression.
“While depression diagnosed later in life is generally thought to be an early symptom of dementia, our results suggest that a depression diagnosis at any point in adulthood increases the risk of dementia later on,” lead author, Holly Elser, a neurology resident at Penn Medicine, said in a press release about the study.
5 Daily Habits to Prevent Dementia and Boost Brain Health | Watch
Dementia is a serious concern, but I’ve discovered five daily habits that can help prevent it and boost my brain health. First, staying physically active is crucial. I aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week—brisk walking or cycling really gets my blood flowing and keeps my mind sharp.
Next, I focus on a brain-healthy diet. I fill my plate with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, like those found in the Mediterranean diet. It’s amazing how what I eat can impact my cognitive function. Mental stimulation is another key habit. I challenge myself with puzzles, reading, and even learning new skills. Keeping my brain engaged is essential.
Social connections also play a vital role; I make it a point to connect with friends and family regularly. Meaningful conversations and shared experiences really boost my mood and mental health. Lastly, I prioritize quality sleep.
Aiming for 7–9 hours each night allows my brain to recharge and process memories. By incorporating these habits into my daily routine, I’m taking proactive steps to protect my cognitive health and enjoy life to the fullest.
More on dementia:
- This vitamin deficiency can cause forgetfulness and mimic symptoms of dementia—but it’s reversible.
- 5 ways to reduce your dementia risk as study estimates U.S. cases could double by 2060
- Dementia risk is soaring as Americans live longer. 4 steps can help reduce your risk
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Top U.S. Stem Cell Therapy & Treatment Center
- Simple Memory Exercises for Dementia (Taken from Therapy)
- Memory exercises for Alzheimer’s patients – Search Videos
- Hallucinations | Alzheimer’s Association
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Eating healthy not only makes you feel good, but it can also protect your brain from premature aging and diseases like dementia.
7 Brain-Boosting Foods You Need in Your Diet
Story by Ángeles Acosta
The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish, has become a benchmark in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Besides its benefits for the brain, this diet helps reduce blood pressure, a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Incorporate these 12 foods into your daily diet, and you’ll notice the difference in your mental health.
Think of your brain as a powerful engine. To run at full throttle, it needs the right fuel. Just like a car needs high-quality gasoline, our brain needs specific nutrients to keep our minds clear and alert. While we usually focus on physical nutrition, it’s crucial to remember that our mental health also depends on what we eat. Some foods have the power to enhance our concentration, memory, and creativity. If you want to boost your focus, strengthen your memory, and keep your mind sharp, it’s essential to include foods in your diet that provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are really good for you
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are true superfoods for our brains. These greens are packed with essential nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid, lutein, and vitamin K, which work together to keep our brains healthy and active. By incorporating a variety of these greens into our diet, we’re giving our brains the nutrients they need to function optimally.
Nuts
Nuts are known for their nutritional value, but walnuts stand out as a true brain superfood. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for optimal brain function, and loaded with antioxidants that combat cellular damage, walnuts are an invaluable ally for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind. Scientific studies support the idea that regular consumption of walnuts can improve memory, concentration, and learning ability. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review – PMC
Related Searches: How does omega prevent cancer metastatic – Search Videos
Coffee and Tea
Beyond being simple stimulants, coffee and green tea offer surprising benefits for our brain health. Caffeine, present in both beverages, acts as a powerful neurostimulant, enhancing our ability to concentrate, process information, and make decisions. Additionally, coffee is a rich source of antioxidants that protect our brains from damage caused by free radicals. On the other hand, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, creating a perfect balance between alertness and calm. Recommended daily intake: up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day (about four cups of coffee or black tea) is generally considered safe for most adults.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the best foods for brain health
Imagine a ripe tomato, freshly picked from the garden. Its fleshy, juicy pulp hides a nutritional treasure: lycopene. This natural pigment, besides giving tomatoes their intense color, acts as a protective shield for our brains, helping to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A medium tomato contains about 3.2 mg of lycopene, but to get the maximum benefits, experts recommend consuming between 9 and 21 mg per day. So, don’t hesitate to include tomatoes and their derivatives in your daily diet! Your brain will thank you.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like whole wheat, oats, and brown rice are known for their role in cardiovascular health. However, few know that these foods are also an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects our brains from damage caused by free radicals. By including whole grains in our diet, we not only take care of our hearts but also strengthen our brain health in the long term.
Recommended daily intake: Guidelines recommend at least three servings of whole grains per day, totaling at least 48 grams.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are also important. These vegetables contain high doses of glucosinolates.
Not only are spinach and lettuce allies of our brains. Broccoli and its cruciferous relatives (like cauliflower and broccoli rabe) also play a fundamental role in brain health. These vegetables are a rich source of glucosinolates, compounds that, when in contact with water, transform into isothiocyanates. These powerful antioxidants have the ability to protect our neurons and improve overall brain function.
Turmeric
Believe it or not, your spice rack can be a true ally for your brain’s health. Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its golden color, contains a compound called curcumin with amazing neuroprotective properties. Scientific studies suggest curcumin could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and stimulate the growth of new brain cells. So, the next time you season your food, remember that you’re nourishing not just your palate, but also your mind. Turmeric and Low Incidences of Dementia in India – Search
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