Dementia warning sign to spot that could be dangerous in hot weather

Dementia warning sign to spot that could be dangerous in hot weather Here's what to look out for A warning sign of dementia could prove dangerous in the hot weather. Experts shared a potential symptom that could put their health and safety at risk. When most people think of dementia, memory loss is the first symptom that springs to mind. While this remains one of the condition's most recognisable features, there are numerous other behavioural changes worth being aware of. To help identify whether a loved one may have dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Canada has outlined 10 common symptoms to watch for. One of these is impaired judgement. This can lead sufferers to make poor decisions that put their wellbeing at risk. According to the society, this includes wearing "heavy" clothing on a hot day - a choice that could potentially trigger heat stroke. It says: "Are you, or the person you know, not recognising something that can put health and safety at risk? From time to time, people may make questionable decisions such as putting off seeing a doctor when they are not feeling well. "However, a person living with dementia may experience changes in judgement or decision-making, such as not recognising a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day." Anyone concerned about these signs is urged by the society to consult their GP. The Alzheimer Society also listed nine further warning signs of dementia to be mindful of. Memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities - A person living with dementia may forget things more often or may have difficulty recalling information that has recently been learned. Difficulty performing familiar tasks - Someone living with dementia may struggle to complete everyday activities they have known all their lives, such as cooking a meal or playing a game. Problems with language - A person living with dementia may forget basic words or replace them with others, making what they are saying hard to follow. Disorientation to time and place - People living with dementia can become lost on their own street, unsure of how they got there or how to find their way home. Problems with abstract thinking - Someone living with dementia may face considerable challenges with certain tasks due to a loss of understanding of what numbers are and how they work. Misplacing things - Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. However, a person living with dementia may put items in wholly inappropriate places. Changes in mood and behaviour - Someone living with dementia can display sudden mood swings – from calm to tearful to angry – without any obvious reason. Changes in personality - A person living with dementia may undergo dramatic personality shifts, becoming confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Loss of initiative - A person living with dementia may turn passive and disengaged, needing prompts and encouragement to participate in activities. It adds: "If you are concerned about any of these signs, the next step is to talk to your doctor. Only a qualified healthcare provider, after multiple assessments and tests, can confirm whether you or someone you know has dementia."