If you have dementia in your family or fear you may be at risk, you might wonder what dementia feels like. Since it impacts people differently, it can be difficult to decide if you need testing.
Here are some ways people describe how dementia feels in its early stages.
Blanking on common things
Several patients describe their inability to come up with the right word or name for what they want to say. With this symptom comes a sense of frustration. This is a very common early sign and can include things like:
- Blanking during presentations
- Forgetting what you wanted to say
- Not remembering the names of objects or people
If this is frequently happening, you might want to have your doctor do a screening. This can leave you feeling anxious, scared, and confused.
Remembering how to write or follow patterns
Some people have difficulty with their spatial abilities. One such patient describes being unable to remember how to write the alphabet or put on clothing the correct way.
There may also be changes in handwriting. You may understand how a letter or word looks but not how to draw it. This can leave you feeling confused and embarrassed.
Confusing dates, times, and places
One common feeling is the inability to remember dates, times, and places. This can also be remembering them differently, such as the wrong time or wrong place. The feeling behind this type is usually simply confusion and fear.
In all cases, if you feel any of these things or are unable to do things that you could ordinarily do, get tested. Catching it early is key to a better quality of life.