If you’ve ever watched someone you love descend into dementia, you will understand how slowly tragic it can be. It’s as if, bit by bit, the person you once knew slips away, until suddenly and all at once, that person is just a memory. They are physically in front of you, yes, but who they actually are seems a faraway person of the past. This is one of the saddest things about dementia – you lose the person long before they are actually laid to rest. While we still don’t have a cure for this horrible disease, we do have treatments for the symptoms that can make that person’s life more enjoyable. The earlier you start the treatments, the better off they will be. Many of us think of the first signs of dementia as being related to memory and memory loss. In reality, there are signs far before that, mostly having to do with walking, balance, coordination, and the like. Knowing this can help you get help for your loved one, or for yourself, much sooner.
Dementia Symptoms Before Memory Loss
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive function. This decline in function eventually interferes with daily life activities. While memory loss is a common and widely recognized symptom of dementia, there are other dementia symptoms before memory loss that, if well understood, can help the patient get treatment earlier. These symptoms are related to the person’s walking gate, coordination, and mobility. Earlier treatment will lead to better outcomes for that person.
Unsteady Gait
We take walking for granted as a simple act that we all learn when we are babies. In actuality, walking requires a heavy amount of coordination from the brain to the body, particularly the legs and feet. One of the early signs of dementia that individuals may experience is an unsteady gait. Again, dementia is a disease that affects the brain, and one of the earliest brain zones it affects are those associated with coordinated movement. Changes in walking patterns, such as shuffling steps, difficulty with balance, or a general lack of coordination, can be indicative of cognitive decline and the potential onset of dementia. It is crucial to pay attention to any noticeable changes in how a person walks or moves, as these alterations can be early indicators of underlying cognitive issues.
Clumsiness
This brings us to the next clue that someone may be experiencing early dementia: Clumsiness. As stated previously, the early stages of dementia begin in the areas of the brain that coordinate movement. This means that, at first, the person may simply appear to become a bit clumsy. Maybe they start dropping things more, bumping into things, spilling, etc. This can often be laughed off as someone just having “butter fingers” or simply being a bit clumsy. While some people are in general more clumsy than others, a noticeable increase in clumsiness should not be ignored.
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Difficulty with Coordination
What starts as clumsiness will eventually become a difficulty in coordination. Individuals may experience trouble performing tasks that require precise movements, such as buttoning a shirt or manipulating small objects. These motor skill difficulties can be a result of cognitive impairment affecting the brain’s ability to coordinate movements effectively. This can eventually move towards bigger movements and start preventing them from doing things they once loved, either due to lack of ability or shame and embarrassment. Again, this is what early diagnosis and treatment is for: To keep that person doing the things they love and living independently for as long as possible.
Tremors or Stiffness in the Limbs
This final pre-memory loss symptom is typically much easier to spot than the others. This is because it is harder to ignore as something just ‘funny’ or ‘normal’ for an aging person. Tremors or stiffness in the limbs, however, can be something that a loved one may attempt to hide. This could be because they don’t want to worry anyone, because they are embarrassed, or because they are afraid, themselves. These physical manifestations may be indicative of underlying neurological changes associated with cognitive decline. Individuals experiencing tremors or stiffness in their limbs should undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and explore potential interventions or treatments to address these symptoms. It could be dementia, however, it could be another condition, as well.
Dementia Treatment
There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments available to help the patient live better as the disease progresses. Treatment for dementia typically focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition. Various interventions and approaches can help improve the quality of life for individuals living with the condition. Treatment options may include medication to manage cognitive symptoms, behavioral therapies to address behavioral and psychological difficulties, as well as supportive interventions to assist with daily activities and promote independence. Additionally, creating a supportive and enriching environment, engaging in regular physical and mental activities, and providing emotional support to individuals with dementia can also contribute to overall well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dementia, and it is important for the patient, their loved ones, caregivers, and medical team to work closely together to come up with an individualized plan for that person. The more love and support they have around them, the better off they will be.
The Bottom Line
While memory loss is often associated with dementia, it is essential to recognize that there are early warning signs that can manifest before cognitive decline becomes noticeable. Understanding the early, pre-memory loss symptoms related to gate, coordination, and mobility can help individuals and their loved ones seek early intervention. This will allow for support to manage the progression of dementia effectively. Consulting with healthcare professionals and receiving a comprehensive evaluation can help identify the presence of dementia early on, leading to better outcomes and quality of life for those affected by the condition.
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