Two warning signs of dementia might become apparent while Christmas shopping, according to experts. If you observe either of these indicators in family members, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Dementia is a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, linked to the progressive deterioration of brain function. This results in warning signals including memory difficulties, changes in behaviour, and challenges with communication and language.
Specialists from the Alzheimer’s Society explain that it can also trigger misperceptions and misidentifications.
This occurs when the person perceives one object as another – or recognises a person as somebody different. Several factors can contribute to this happening.
For instance, the organisation explained that someone might confuse their television remote with their mobile phone because their visual processing is impaired, preventing clear recognition (misperceived) of the television remote.
Alternatively, while the remote might be clearly visible, brain damage causes it to be wrongly interpreted (misidentified) as a mobile phone.
“A person with dementia may also have ‘visuospatial difficulties’, when the brain has problems processing information about 3D objects,” the charity explains. “This can affect a person’s spatial awareness or the ability to judge distances. They may have difficulties using stairs, parking a car or recognising objects.”
Misperceptions and misidentifications tend to worsen with advancing age as vision typically deteriorates over time. This can lead to several complications during shopping trips.
The Alzheimer’s Society notes that people living with dementia may encounter challenges whilst out shopping. They could:
- Attempt to use a bus pass instead of a payment card
- Or fail to select the correct coins when making a purchase
“Some misperceptions and misidentifications can lead a person with dementia to make errors in how they use an object,” the charity explains on its website.
The NHS also highlights that “getting confused over the correct change when shopping” represents a possible indication of dementia.
How to support someone with these symptoms
If you observe someone exhibiting these signs, the charity has outlined the most effective ways to offer assistance. It advises: “A person with dementia who is misperceiving or misidentifying things may feel unsure about their surroundings, and feel less confident and independent.
“You can support the person by reassuring them when they make mistakes, and build their confidence and willingness to go to new places. If they do not notice that they are making mistakes, it could be that they lack insight into their dementia. They may become irritated or more easily frustrated if you point out mistakes.
“Familiar surroundings can be helpful to a person who is misperceiving or misidentifying. This is because they may rely more on memory and habit than on perception to move safely around their home. Try not to move furniture, or change where things are kept, as this can make it more difficult for them to relate to their space.”
Additional warning signs of dementia to watch for include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes
It’s estimated that nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a GP.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
