It is important to remember that occasional memory slips are a normal part of aging. However, dementia is not a specific disease but a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that interferes with daily life.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, and they are a change from baseline behavior, it is crucial to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. Early detection can open doors to treatment, clinical trials, and time to plan for the future.
Here are 10 early warning signs of dementia you should never ignore:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
One of the most common early signs is forgetting recently learned information. While everyone forgets a name or an appointment occasionally and remembers it later, a person with dementia forgets things more often and never recalls them.
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What to look for: Asking the same questions repeatedly, relying heavily on memory aids (like sticky notes), or forgetting important dates or events.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
People may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. Tasks that used to be second nature can become a struggle.
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What to look for: Taking much longer to do things than before, difficulty following a familiar recipe, or trouble keeping track of monthly bills.
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Daily tasks at home, at work, or during leisure become difficult to finish. This often involves difficulty driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is a common symptom. People with dementia may forget where they are or how they got there.
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What to look for: Trouble understanding something if it isn’t happening immediately, or forgetting where they are in the sequence of a day.
5. Visual and Spatial Difficulties
Vision problems can be a sign of dementia (including Alzheimer’s). This is different from typical age-related vision changes like cataracts.
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What to look for: Difficulty reading, judging distance, determining color or contrast, or not recognizing one’s own reflection in a mirror.
6. Language and Communication Problems
People may struggle to join or follow a conversation. They might stop in the middle of a sentence with no idea how to continue, or they may repeat themselves.
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What to look for: Struggling to find the right word (calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”), or using the wrong word entirely.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Everyone misplaces their keys or wallet from time to time. A person with dementia may put things in unusual places (e.g., putting an iron in the fridge or car keys in the sugar bowl). Because they cannot retrace their steps to find the item, they may become suspicious or accuse others of stealing.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making.
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What to look for: Giving large amounts of money to telemarketers, paying less attention to grooming and personal hygiene, or wearing heavy winter coats on a hot summer day.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
Because holding a conversation or remembering how to complete a hobby becomes difficult, a person with dementia may begin to withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or sports. They may seem passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual, or losing interest in things they once loved.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone.
What to do if you notice these signs:
Do not ignore them. While some causes of memory loss (like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or depression) are reversible, it is vital to get a professional diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with a doctor (a neurologist or geriatrician is ideal) for a thorough medical evaluation.