Symptom 9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: The Isolation in Dementia
A person with dementia might start to withdraw from social activities, work, hobbies, or sports that they previously enjoyed. This withdrawal is often a response to the changes they’ve been experiencing. The cognitive decline may make it hard for them to keep up with their favorite pastime, leading to frustration and a subsequent withdrawal.
In the initial stages of dementia, the person may begin to show a lack of interest in participating in social activities. They might avoid being social because of the changes they’re experiencing. The difficulty in remembering how to complete tasks, follow conversations, or remember names can make social situations challenging and potentially embarrassing.
They may also lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy. They might quit a club they were part of, give up on a hobby, or stop following their favorite sports team. This change can be gradual, and the person may not even realize they’ve started to withdraw. (9)
