Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In Singapore, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise from 82,000 in 2020 to 152,000 by 2030, according to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association Singapore.
While dementia is often associated with old age, it can affect our younger seniors as well. The key to managing dementia is early detection and intervention. Recognizing the early signs of dementia, and seeking help early, can make a huge difference to the quality of life for patients and their families.
Here are 10 early signs of dementia you shouldn’t ignore:
- Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments
- Language Difficulties: Struggling to find the right words, difficulties with following conversations, emergent problems with reading, writing or speaking
- Mood Changes: Rapid mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability or agitation
- Disorientation: Difficulty recognising the time, date, or location
- Personality Changes: Becoming passive, apathetic, paranoid, suspicious, or withdrawn
- Loss of Initiative: Needing prompting or encouragement to perform daily tasks, neglecting self-care and hygiene
- Visuospatial Difficulties: Trouble judging distances, understanding spatial relationships, or recognising objects and familiar persons
- Lapses in judgement, especially in more complex tasks which involves planning and organisation, such as in cooking, shopping, housekeeping, managing finances and medications. The family may notice changes to the taste of the food prepared by the elderly person.
- Motor Function Changes: Difficulty with coordination, balance, or movement. Fine movements will be affected first and may manifest as buttoning one’s clothes wrongly, or struggling to use utensils such as chopsticks.
- Changes in Daily Routine: Struggling to perform daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, preparing meals and taking public transport
In Singapore, dementia is a significant concern, with 1 in 10 people aged 60 and above living with the condition, according to the Ministry of Health. If left untreated, dementia can severely impair daily functioning and impact the rest of the family. But with early detection and support, individuals with dementia can lead active and fulfilling lives.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it’s essential to seek professional help. Early detection and intervention can improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
At Private Space Medical, our team of specialist clinicians provides personalized care and support for individuals and families affected by dementia.
Don't ignore the signs. Contact Private Space Medical to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards improving the quality of life for yourself or a loved one.
