Symptom 2: Difficulties in Planning or Problem-solving: The Cognitive Maze
Pre-dementia often manifests as a struggle with tasks that require logical thinking and planning. These are abilities that we take for granted in our daily life, and their gradual erosion can be alarming.
A person experiencing this symptom might find it challenging to follow familiar recipes or manage monthly bills. It’s akin to encountering a puzzle and finding the pieces don’t fit together as they used to. The ability to connect cause and effect, to trace the line of logic, starts to falter, giving rise to confusion and frustration.
This decline might show in several aspects of life. It could be as simple as struggling with the steps of a recipe they’ve followed countless times before, or as complex as grappling with financial planning or making informed decisions. It is as if the familiar paths in their mind are slowly getting overgrown and harder to tread.
This cognitive challenge could also surface in their problem-solving abilities. They might struggle with tasks that require them to think logically or come up with solutions. It’s as if they’re trying to navigate a maze in the dark, their cognitive torchlight dimming and casting long shadows of confusion.
Realizing that one is grappling with previously straightforward tasks can be distressing. However, understanding this as a possible symptom of pre-dementia can lead to early recognition and the implementation of coping strategies. It’s about understanding the change, not fearing it. (2)
