Dementia: Social isolation can be an early symptom

Dementia is one of the diseases that plague the elderly, which is why prevention or reducing the risk of developing the disease is important. However, the symptoms can start developing years before it really sets in, and one of those early indicators is how a person interacts with people.

Express reports that one of the earliest indicators of dementia can be seen in the way a person interacts with other people, whether at home or at work. Social isolation may be an early indicator of the neurodegenerative disease in people. According to the Social Care Institute for Excellence in the United Kingdom, if a person becomes more withdrawn and isolates themselves, or if they are not interested in interacting with other people, it may be the early symptoms of dementia setting in. The organization adds that the person may not even want to talk to other people nor pay attention when they are being talked to.

What makes this symptom a concern is that some people may already be in the early stages of dementia without even knowing it, leaving it untreated. On the other hand, as it is a symptom, the feeling of isolation or the need to be withdrawn may indicate another condition.

Another early symptom of the condition is, as Express also reports, is difficulty planning or organizing or making decisions. According to experts, because the disease occurs as the brain deteriorates with age, the deterioration of the brain is much quicker in those with dementia. They begin to lose focus and will usually need help from friends and family in making day to day decisions. People with dementia will also have trouble controlling their emotions or will see or hear things that other people do not. In a way, if they are telling the truth, they can easily be doubted or they can seem like they are deliberately ignoring issues.

It bears remembering that dementia is mainly an umbrella term for many other neurodegenerative conditions. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies are all types of the disease, each with their own causes. It is highly advised to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.