Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial for early diagnosis, planning, and getting the right support. While memory loss is the most well-known indicator, dementia affects the brain in many different ways.
Here are 10 early signs of dementia that you should never ignore:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
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What it looks like: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events; repeatedly asking for the same information; or increasingly relying on memory aids (like reminder notes) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later, is typical.
2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems
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What it lookslike: Trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on tasks. It may take much longer to do things than it did before, or they may struggle to develop and follow a plan.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
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What it looks like: Trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Everyday chores that used to be second nature become overwhelming.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or record a television show.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
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What it looks like: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Someone might forget where they are or how they got there, or struggle to understand something if it is not happening immediately.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Getting confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out later.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
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What it looks like: Difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, which can cause issues with driving or balance. Some individuals may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Vision changes related to cataracts or normal aging (like needing glasses).
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
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What it looks like: Struggling to follow or join a conversation. They may stop mid-sentence with no idea how to continue or repeat themselves. They might also struggle with vocabulary, calling things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a “hand-clock”).
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Occasionally having trouble finding the right word.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
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What it looks like: Putting things in unusual places (e.g., putting an iron in the refrigerator or car keys in the sugar bowl). They may accuse others of stealing because they cannot find their items and cannot retrace their steps to find them.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Misplacing things from time to time, like glasses or keys, and eventually finding them.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
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What it looks like: Experiencing changes in decision-making, such as falling victim to phone scams, giving away large amounts of money, or paying less attention to personal grooming and hygiene.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Making a questionable decision or mistake every once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
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What it looks like: Removing themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They may avoid social gatherings because they find it hard to keep up with what is happening or remember names.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family, and social obligations.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
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What it looks like: Becoming easily confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may get upset easily at home, with friends, or when stepping out of their comfort zone.
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Normal aging vs. Dementia: Developing specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Important Note: Experiencing one or two of these signs occasionally does not automatically mean a person has dementia—everyone has off days or experiences normal age-related forgetfulness. However, if you or a loved one are noticing a persistent, noticeable decline in memory, thinking, or behavior that disrupts daily life, it is important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. Many conditions—including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or medication side effects—can mimic dementia and are completely treatable.
Is there a specific situation or set of symptoms you are concerned about that we can discuss further?
