Symptom 9: Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: The Retreating Shadow
The ninth pre-dementia symptom is withdrawal from work or social activities. It’s as if the individual is slowly retreating into a shell, their once active participation in social or work settings gradually diminishing.
They might show less interest in hobbies, social activities, or work projects that they once enjoyed. It’s like the colourful palette of their interests is slowly losing its hues, the vibrant joy they once derived from these activities ebbing away.
This withdrawal can often be a result of the other symptoms of pre-dementia, like memory loss or difficulty with language. It’s like the retreat of a wounded animal, seeking the safety of isolation to nurse its wounds.
Imagine losing interest in the things you once loved, the music of your passions slowly turning into a monotonous hum. It’s like watching a movie with the volume turned down, the scenes playing out but the emotional connect missing.
If you find yourself or a loved one retreating into the shadowy realms of isolation, withdrawing from the social and work activities once enjoyed, don’t ignore it. This withdrawal could be a sign of an underlying brain health issue. Giving attention to this change can help light up the shadowy realms, leading the way back to active engagement and enjoyment. (9)
