Withdrawal from work and social events
Many people in the early stages of dementia will find themselves withdrawing from their usual activities. This may include: loss of interest in previous hobbies, not attending any parties or family events, no longer attempting to follow games and group discussions.
However, despite these behaviors seeming like depression at first glance, they can also be considered reactions to stress from cognitive impairment.
Mood or personality changes
Occasionally, one of the symptoms of early-stage dementia is a change in the “way a person acts.” These signs can include: experiencing fearfulness, suspicion, or paranoia, swinging between moods quickly or becoming easily irritable, or displaying uncharacteristic fears and/or agitation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the way dementia affects the brain can fundamentally change how a person regulates their emotions and personality.
Difficulty in following conversation or thought process
Being able to engage in a conversation or understand new information may prove difficult and mentally tiring. Examples are: finding it hard to grasp the flow of conversation, finding it difficult to follow conversations with multiple speakers, taking an unusually long time to respond to an easy question.
These symptoms are initially mild but become more noticeable with time.
Why early detection matters
Catching it early is a game-changer because it gives families the breathing room to:
Start treatments that might help put the brakes on how fast symptoms get worse
Get a head start on planning for the future while everyone can still weigh in
Lean into lifestyle habits—like diet and exercise—that actually protect the brain
Look into clinical trials or join communities that offer real support
Even though a total cure doesn’t exist for most types of dementia yet, stepping in early can make a massive difference in how someone lives their life day to day.
Living with Alzheimer or dementia isn’t just hard for the person suffering from it but for those around them as well. Seeing a loved one struggling to remember things clearly is simply heartbreaking and everyone who has a relative with either of these two conditions knows the pain all too well.
The good thing is that medicine is evolving with each passing day and we never know when the cure for some of the diseases and conditions of today will be found. One thing is certain, we should never lose hope.
Researchers and scientists believe these 9 habits can help us protect our brain from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
1. Quit smoking
Most of the people who enjoy smoking are aware of the negative consequences of this habit. Smoking doesn’t only affect the skin, but the brain as well. Researchers say that smokers run a 45 percent higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s compared to non-smokers.
2. Increase your vitamin B12 intake
Recent researches done at a medical institution in Finland speak of the correlation of Alzheimer’s and dementia and the deficiency of B12. That is one reason why you should start eating more food containing this important vitamin such as eggs, seafood, fish, and meat.
3. Be more active
Exercising for at least half an hour a day can affect your health positively. Not only you’ll feel fresher and younger, but you’ll help decrease the chances of suffering from dementia. Exercise helps keep your brain in shape as well, not just your body.
4. Increase your Vitamin D intake
Over the years, more and more importance is given to the vitamin D. A study conducted in the US back in 2014 showed that the deficiency of this vitamin can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s by 125 percent.
If you want to increase your daily intake of this vitamin just spend more time on the sun. If that’s not an option, take some supplements.
5. Drink coffee
If you are one of those people who can’t imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee, than you are at the same time lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50 percent.
This drink plays the role of an antioxidant.
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