Why is there a delay in detecting dementia? You can identify it with these 5 early symptoms

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you know that according to a data from the World Health Organization, in the year 2021, about 5.7 crore people were suffering from dementia and about one crore new cases of dementia are reported every year? From this figure, you can guess how serious this matter is.

Even more dangerous is that it usually takes a long time for dementia to be detected. Recently, a study by University College London (UCL) has shown that on average, after the first symptoms of dementia (Dementia Early Symptoms) appear, it is not diagnosed for 3.5 years. Whereas, in cases of dementia occurring at a younger age (early-onset dementia), this time can be up to 4.1 years.

Why is dementia not detected early?

The early symptoms of dementia are often ignored considering them to be the effect of age or stress, due to which the patient does not get timely treatment. If these signs are recognized, then proper care and treatment can be started in time. Let us know what are the early symptoms of dementia.

Loss of memory

• forgetting recent events
• Losing keys, wallet, or other important items
• Asking the same thing over and over again

Trouble concentrating on work

• Inability to focus on any  task
• Difficulty in making simple calculations or decisions
• Difficulty making plans or solving problems

Difficulty with language and communication

• Not finding the right words when talking
• trouble understanding or keeping up with conversations
• repeating the same story over and over again

Difficulty with daily activities

• Difficulty doing normal household chores (like cooking, paying bills)
• Difficulty learning new tasks
• getting lost even in familiar places

mood and behavior changes

• irritability, anger, or sadness
• keeping away from social activities
• Lack of interest in the emotions of others
• inappropriate behavior (such as getting angry for no reason)
• What to do if these symptoms appear?
• Consult a doctor- Contact a neurologist or psychiatrist and get memory tests and brain imaging done.
• Lifestyle changes: Adopt a healthy diet, regular exercise, and mental activities (such as reading, playing puzzles).
• Emotional Support – The support of family and friends is very important for dementia patients.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of dementia and seek medical advice in time. Failure to do so often delays its treatment and it progresses to the next stage quickly. If anyone in your family notices these signs, help them and get the right treatment started. With a little caution and proper care, the effects of dementia can be reduced.

Read More: Why is there a delay in detecting dementia? You can identify it with these 5 early symptoms