is It Stress, or something More? Experts Highlight Subtle Dementia Signs Frequently enough Mistaken for Everyday Pressure
London, UK – What feels like overwhelming stress, fatigue, or simply “a bad day” could, in certain specific cases, be an early indicator of dementia, experts are warning. Increasingly, clinicians are finding that symptoms commonly attributed to modern life pressures are overlapping with the subtle, initial manifestations of cognitive decline. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Professor Michael malhotra emphasizes the often-overlooked link between learning difficulties and underlying memory issues. “What people do not realize is that we need memory to learn new skills, so what patients often report or confuse for pressure is an inability to get to grips with new information, such as computer software,” he explains. This difficulty extends beyond technology, manifesting as challenges with everyday problem-solving, planning, and navigating unfamiliar environments.Patients may find tasks like preparing a complex meal – “perhaps Christmas dinner” - or finding thier way around a new place increasingly challenging.
Beyond cognitive hurdles, seemingly minor changes in perception can also signal a deeper issue. Dr. Calum Hamilton, a fellow at Alzheimer’s Research UK, points to visual processing difficulties as a potential early warning sign. “This may mean that patients put a T-shirt on the wrong way or grab the mug rather than the handle of a hot cup of coffee,” he says. Individuals often initially attribute these errors to eyesight problems and seek a new glasses prescription, but Dr. Hamilton cautions that it “could be an early sign of dementia.”
Difficulty with language is another frequently overlooked symptom.while occasional word-finding pauses are common, a consistent struggle to recall names or identify everyday objects - “things like kitchen utensils or animals” – can be indicative of cognitive decline. This can extend to difficulties following or contributing to conversations, with individuals forgetting what they or others have said.Furthermore, a decline in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and handwriting may also occur.
Changes in mood, while often linked to stress, can also present differently in the context of dementia. Unlike stress-related mood swings that typically resolve with rest or reduced pressure, dementia-related changes tend to be more persistent and progressive, potentially manifesting as irritability, depression, anxiety, or disinhibition. Loss of spatial awareness can also occur.
a noticeable withdrawal from social situations should raise a flag. Professor Malhotra notes that this behavior is frequently enough linked to othre symptoms. “And it can frequently enough be explained by other symptoms, such as feeling less confident in their speech, so not wanting to be in a social setting, or a change in personality.”
Experts stress that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically indicate dementia. However, if these changes are persistent, progressive, and significantly impact daily life, seeking medical evaluation is vital. Early diagnosis allows for access to support, treatment, and planning for the future.
