What are some early signs of dementia besides poor memory?

Question

I am concerned about my partner (male, 66) who seems to me to be showing signs of poor communication and comprehension resulting in anger and frustration. He does have an increasing degree of hearing loss but even if words are reinforced he still seems to go off into a world of his own. He seems to have an attitude of "I'm not going to give you my full attention because I know what you are going to say". He finds things difficult to understand in general and relies on me to make all phone calls (except to family). His behaviour tonight, although in some ways typical, was also unusual. We had arranged for friends to come for dinner and half hour before they were due he sat on the lounge dressed in old clothes (daggy), unshaven and hair ruffled. He seemed to be looking for a fight and was not in a good mood. The dinner arrangement had been agreed on 3 days before and he acted as though it was totally unimportant. When confronted he became angry and decided to go out! Embarrassing

Answer 1

Some signs include
Confusion
Personality change
Apathy and withdrawal
Loss of ability to do everyday tasks.

Here's a website about early signs.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dementia_diagnosis_and_early_signs?OpenDocument

Answer 2

There is something going on, it could be early dementia and his hearing loss combining to make him angry. Try and get his hearing assessed and corrected and then see what happens. Some people with hearing loss start thinking that everyone is whispering about them and withdraw accordingly.
Get him to have a general health check up too.

Answer 3

Your male partner has something going on as anger is a way of dealing with many problem because no one want to admit there is a problem.They tend to withdraw into their self. If you really love your guy you need to find a way to get him to seek professional help now. It could be something quite simple but he really need your help. Good luck.

Answer 4

Transforming our minds, and hearts I believe, is the key to peace of mind/Happiness !
Please Patiently Read the information I’ve typed up. Thank You.
* Transforming our hearts, and minds – for peace of mind & Happiness ! *
1) Be in a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down.
2) Have someone watch your children for about 10 or 15 min. [Increase in time, after practicing for a month]. Then close your eyes, and concentrate totally on your breathing.
3) At the end of your first inhalation of oxygen, count One. Keep doing this until you get to ten. Remain patient with yourself. {Continue patiently throughout this disciplinary practice).
4) Then focus your attention on breathing only through your nostrils, which filter out all
the things, which are not healthy to breath into your lungs. Be aware of the various
sensations through your nostrils, while you continue the counting. When you get to
ten, start again at one. This disciplinary practice should take only 10 – 15 min. total time.
5) When a distracting thoughts enters your mind allow them to pass thru {your mind w/out
analyzing them, or judging them, or trying to fix them. Then gently, patiently bring your full
attention back to your breath. Every time, a distracting thought {any thought which would take your attention of your breath), comes to your mind, you need to use this skillful method to bring your full attention, back to your breath. Thoughts do come into our minds, especially stressful, sometimes angry, and
worrisome thoughts, or pressing thoughts which indicate to us that we have an anxious mind.
Just be patient w/yourself, and keep practicing.
**"There is already proven evidence of the Success of The Mindfulness of Breathing Exercises Proven by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD
and by many other Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Scientists, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapists! This meditation greatly improves the Cognitive areas of the brain, improving the intellect, memory, concentration, & focus, says -Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. He, & others Scientists, Cognitive Therapists, etc.
give much evidence through clinical studies, that The Mindfulness of Breathing (or mindfulness meditation – another name for this practice) dissolves stress, anger, depression, envy, jealousy, hatred, selfishness, dementia,
worry, impatience, intolerance, fear, anxiety, & many other unhealthy and unwholesome spiritual/mental/emotional states, we so often fall into. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. Wrote a best seller called, “Coming to our Senses” which teaches the mindfulness of breathing (mindfulness meditation). And there is an Excellent book out called, “The Beginner’s Guide to Insight Meditation” By: Arinna Weisman and Jean Smith, which teaches Mindfulness of Breathing, Loving-kindness Meditation while walking to exercise, & Insight Meditation (a higher form of meditation, which greatly helps us to accurately, & clearly see things, people, & situations as they really are, so we’re Not held captive by our unwholesome thoughts, and reactions toward others, & situations in life. Some people use prayer, along with the mindfulness of breathing, to help them in life. Whatever methods one uses, should not be criticized, judged or condemned. Practicing what Jesus taught in Matt. 7:1-5 on not judging, criticizing, or condemning others is important in order for us to experience a healthy spiritual, mental, and emotional life. We are held accountable for the transformation of our own lives, not others. If you’re a little impatient when it comes to results, especially for dissolving anger, I encourage you to read the book, “Working With Anger” By: Thubten Chodron. Has 3 chapters on Training our mind & spirit in Patience; the book helps us see that our personal enemies are anger, hatred, pride and unforgiveness. It is actually a very encouraging book. The Author is also a Psychologist. Many find Prayer quite helpful, to help them gain self-confidence, guidance, comfort, security, & to help them deal with problems, & challenges of Life. And this is great too. The key is that we are gentle, patient, & forgiving with ourselves through the process of transforming our minds - to acquire peace of mind, and happiness. Some religions indicate the importance of renewing & transforming the mind, & as a result - their lives. Rom. 12:2 is an example of just that! A good friend shared with me that Jesus saved his spirit, but it was his responsibility to work out the salvation of his soul {he shared with me that the soul is the Mind, will, & emotions). He said to me that it says this in the book of James. This is done through Rom. 12:2, thus dissolving pride, hatred, and condemnation toward others. This information he shared with me inspired & encouraged me. I sincerely believe, as Jesus taught humanity in Matt. 7:1-5, that not judging, or criticizing, and condemning others, or ourselves is important toward peace of mind. It’s important that we respect beliefs {not judging or condemning them), allowing them to work out (as my friend shared with me) the salvation of our soul {mind/intellect, will & emotions) ourselves, without criticizing others for the methods they use to do this. As we transform our minds, thus transforming our lives, we help end our sufferings, and gain inner peace, and happiness. And that is really all that most of humanity wants the Most, is peace of mind, and Happiness. Thx. For reading this. Stay Optimistic. Life is Wonderful, and People are too !