Who is at risk of dementia?
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, US.
Common risk factors for developing dementia include age, genetics and brain health. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.
Sometimes early signs of dementia may be dismissed as “just” age-related problems. However, it is important to pay attention to these warning signs if you experience them or anyone around you experiences them. Here is one sign that can pop-up while shopping.
Struggling with money
People with Alzheimer’s disease often face problems managing their money. This may be one of the first noticeable signs of the disease, and may appear while shopping. Someone with dementia might struggle with numbers. They may experience difficulty in paying for the purchase or have trouble counting change. Such experiences can also make them afraid or worried when talking about money.
Excessive shopping
People with dementia may also start buying more frequently and less purposefully. They may forget that they have already purchased something and then end up buying the same item again and again. They may also become riskier in their investments and more vulnerable to financial scams. They may also be buying things that they usually don’t purchase. Here are some more signs associated with dementia.
Mood swings
People with Alzheimer’s may experience frequent mood swings and personality changes. Some of these feelings, which are usually disturbing, involve confusion, suspicion, depression, fear or anxiety. What usually wrecks their mood is surprises and changes in their routine or with other people when they are pushed out of their comfort zone. They may easily become more upset and irritable. Those with dementia may not be able to detect this change in themselves, but it is something their family members can easily pick on.
Lacking focus
As dementia progresses, the sufferer's level of focus, attention span and concentration will decrease. They may easily get distracted and forget what they were up to before.
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Poor judgment
People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. They may become less careful and more clumsy, such as for grooming themselves or refueling their car on time. They may be found making more and more bad decisions and mistakes. They may also be making decisions more rashly which would seem out of character.
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