Working in the medical profession, nurses become attuned to people’s mental states. Identifying the early signs of dementia in a patient can make providing the right care easier.

Some early signs to look for are memory loss, especially as it relates to recent events, difficulty speaking or writing, increased agitation, and confusion. Some of these signs are more subtle at first, but as dementia progresses, they become more and more obvious and occur with greater frequency. Nurses who care for patients over the course of weeks, months, or even years may notice the progression.

The right support system for a patient can help best manage dementia and ensure their continued safety and comfort.