10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia: What You Need to Know

1. Memory Loss Affecting Daily Activities


Occasional forgetfulness is common, but frequent memory lapses can disrupt daily life. This includes forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or appointments. Individuals may repeatedly ask for the same information or rely more heavily on memory aids like notes or reminders.



2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems


Tasks that require focus or organization can become increasingly difficult. This includes managing finances, following step-by-step instructions like cooking from a recipe, or remembering to pay monthly bills on time. Mistakes in these areas might become more frequent and noticeable.



3. Confusion About Time or Place


Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time can be disorienting for individuals. They may forget where they are or how they got there, even in familiar environments. This confusion can make planning or navigating day-to-day activities particularly challenging.



4. Trouble Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships


Changes in visual perception and spatial awareness can affect everyday activities like reading, judging distances, or identifying colors. These issues can make tasks like driving dangerous or lead to difficulty recognizing familiar faces or objects.



5. Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing


Individuals may have trouble finding the right words, stopping mid-conversation, or substituting unrelated words. This can make conversations hard to follow and may cause frustration for both the person and those interacting with them.



6. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps


It’s normal to occasionally misplace items, but individuals with dementia might frequently place items in odd locations (e.g., keys in the fridge). They often struggle to backtrack or retrace their steps to find these misplaced items.



7. Decreased or Poor Judgment


Poor decision-making might manifest in various ways, such as neglecting personal hygiene, responding to scams, or giving away large sums of money. They may also show a lack of awareness about risks or the consequences of their actions.



8. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities


Early signs of dementia can lead to withdrawal from hobbies, work, or social interactions. This may be due to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, or an inability to keep up with conversations or tasks they once enjoyed.



9. Changes in Mood and Personality


Emotional and behavioral changes can be significant. Someone might become easily upset, anxious, or depressed. They might also develop paranoia, becoming unusually suspicious of loved ones or situations without reason.



10. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks


Routine activities, such as preparing meals, using household appliances, or remembering the rules of a favorite game, can become overwhelming. Even tasks they’ve done for years may suddenly seem confusing or insurmountable.

What Can You Do if You Notice These Signs?