What Are the Early Signs of Dementia in Women?
As we grow older, it’s important to be mindful of the signs of certain age-related memory issues that can impact us as we age. One of the most common memory care diseases that impact older women is dementia; among adults ages 70 and older, 11% of women and 8% of men had dementia in 2019.
The onset of dementia usually happens after the age of 65 in women. Recognizing the early signs of dementia in women as early as possible is ideal, and can make an impact on the severity of symptoms. While there’s no concrete answer as to why women are more likely to develop dementia than men, one commonly accepted theory is that on average women live longer than men, and are therefore more at risk. In this blog, we’ll cover 4 of the most common early signs of dementia in women and how to navigate them with care and understanding.
Sign #1: Changes to Memory
When older women begin to experience symptoms of dementia, one of the first indications is an increased loss of memory. This could include anything from simple forgetfulness regarding daily tasks, to having trouble recalling familiar people, places or events.
Sign #2: Difficulty Concentrating
Another of the most common early signs of dementia in women involves their lack of ability to concentrate during daily tasks or activities. It’s common for someone with dementia to find familiar tasks tricky, such as getting confused about the order they should do things. This could also be as subtle as experiencing trouble with finding the correct change while out shopping.
Sign #3: Struggling in Conversation
This early sign of dementia in women affects daily communication with the people around them. If you begin to notice difficulty in finding the right word when speaking, along with trouble following a casual conversation, dementia could be the culprit.
Sign #4: Mood Changes
A sudden shift in personality or mood can be another early sign of dementia in women. If your loved one begins to appear withdrawn, anxious, or uninterested, it could be an early symptom. Adults experiencing this may also tend to “lash out” at their loved ones, or become easily irritated at minor inconveniences.
Like many other diseases, dementia is progressive. While it does worsen over time, the right treatment and memory care facility can help to ease the symptoms. Our skilled and compassionate team at Courtyard Manor is here to provide a family-like environment for every resident, while always providing comfort and working to improve quality of life. If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia, we’re here to help walk you through a treatment plan that works best for you and your family!