This symptom differs from typical age-related changes and should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Experts have warned that an “early” warning sign of dementia you shouldn’t ignore could appear in the kitchen. You should seek medical help if you spot this symptom, or any other red flags of the condition.
Dementia is a syndrome, or a group of symptoms, associated with the ongoing decline of the brain. Most common among people aged 65 and over it can sometimes be mistaken for some of the signs of ageing.
With this in mind, the charity Alzheimer’s Association compiled a list of symptoms that should raise alarm bells. “If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them,” it said.
“Schedule an appointment with your doctor.” Memory loss is a well-known symptom of dementia, however, this could be easily dismissed due to a person’s age.
The charity highlighted that having “trouble following a familiar recipe” while cooking in the kitchen could indicate something serious. On its website, it said: “Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.
“They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.”
But a similar typical age-related change that shouldn’t be cause for concern, according to the association, is, “making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills”. In a similar vein to having problems cooking, someone with dementia may also have an issue creating a grocery list.
The charity continued: “People living with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organising a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favourite game.”
The NHS lists the common early signs of dementia as:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
“These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually,” the health body says. If you spot any of these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor.
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The Alzheimer’s Association added: “If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, it can be difficult to know what to do. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others.
“Voicing worries about your own health might make them seem more “real.” Or, you may fear upsetting someone by sharing observations about changes in his or her abilities or behaviour. However, these are significant health concerns that should be evaluated by a doctor, and it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on.”
