Your memories make you and forgetting them can mean changing your entire being. Many people believe that dementia is just when you forget things, but it is a lot more than that. It not only affects your memories, but your behavior and the way you think. Dementia, unlike what many people think it is, is a term used to define many different diseases that affect one's memory and ability to perform daily tasks. In 2021, 57 million people were affected with dementia, 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries with 10 million new cases. Being a cognitive degenerative disease, and it may take some time before there are symptoms and by the time you may notice them it The earliest stage of dementia is often called "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI). This means there can be small, subtle changes in everyday behavior, even in things like how someone reads. If you've always loved to read a lot but suddenly find it hard to focus, this could be a sign that dementia might be developing. Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Difficulty concentrating is often one of the very first noticeable changes with MCI. You might find it hard to focus on a single task, follow a TV show, or read a book, even if these activities were once easy and enjoyable for you. This persistent inability to concentrate can be a key early indicator. Other early signs can include: Changes in mood You might start feeling different emotionally than usual. This could mean becoming more easily frustrated, irritable, anxious, or even withdrawn from social situations, which can be unsettling for both you and your loved ones. Confusion about time and place You might find yourself getting mixed up about the current day of the week, the time of day, or even where you are. This can manifest as forgetting appointments or feeling disoriented in familiar surroundings, causing distress and impacting daily routines. Struggling with conversations Following a group discussion or finding the right words to express yourself can become noticeably harder. You might pause frequently, repeat yourself, or use filler words, making communication frustrating and affecting social interactions. Trouble with daily tasks Familiar everyday activities, like managing finances, cooking a known recipe, or figuring out the correct change when shopping, might become confusing or difficult to complete without errors. These slips can impact independence and daily living. Memory loss Forgetting things more often than before is a common concern. This might involve recently learned information, important dates, or even recurring events, leading to a noticeable increase in needing reminders or relying on others for memory support. Common Form of Dementia Alzheimer's disease is a very common type of dementia. It often causes memory problems, like frequently forgetting recent events, names, and faces, and leads to asking questions repeatedly. People with Alzheimer's might also find it harder to organize tasks and plans and can easily get confused in new places. They may struggle to find the right words when speaking, have difficulty with numbers or handling money, and might become more withdrawn or anxious. Managing Dementia While there's no cure for dementia, medicines can help with symptoms as they get worse. For Alzheimer's disease, common medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. For people with mild to moderate dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy has shown some benefits. This involves group activities designed to boost memory, problem-solving skills, and language. Reminiscence work, which uses personal photos and music, can also help improve the mood of someone with dementia. There's also growing evidence that your diet can play a role in your chances of getting dementia.