In the early stages, dementia symptoms can be hard to detect. The symptoms may even be misperceived as “normal ageing” because the changes are “so gradual”, stated the social care institute for excellence (SCIE).
People with dementia can often end up continuing for several years without knowing they have the condition.
It’s important to know the early signs as an early diagnosis can slow down the disease in some cases.
Another of the main benefits of early diagnosis is that the person with the condition and the family can learn about the disease and plan for the future.
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Other symptoms of dementia can include recognition and coordination difficulties, disorientation and mood changes.
Mood changes
Most people go through periods of feeling withdrawn, or frustrated and angry.
However, people with dementia “can experience an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical or physical life,” explained the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
SCIE emphasises that they may even be withdrawn from social activities and interests they enjoyed in the past.