As you age, you may notice that your memory and problem solving abilities aren’t quite what they used to be. While many people dismiss these changes as a normal part of aging, experts warn that even subtle mild instances of cognitive impairment or memory loss can be a possible sign of dementia. They say that you should always discuss these changes with your general practitioner, who can help you assess your symptoms. In particular, experts warn that there’s one early sign of dementia you may notice while shopping—and if it happens to you, it may be time for a dementia screening. Read on to find out which red flag to look out for, and how to protect yourself from the serious consequences that could occur because of it.
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In the early stages of dementia, cognitive symptoms can be particularly subtle, making them easy to dismiss. Yet experts from the U.K.’s National Health Services (NHS) say that if you notice increased difficulty with handling money while shopping, you should never ignore it. They say that many dementia patients may get confused while trying to calculate the correct change when shopping, or may have difficulty determining an appropriate tip in a restaurant. They add that this increased difficulty with numbers and money is especially prevalent in those with Alzheimer’s disease.
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