10 Early Signs of Dementia Every Family Should Know

Recognizing Early Dementia Signs

Early detection of dementia can make a significant difference in treatment options and quality of life. While occasional forgetfulness is normal with aging, certain patterns may indicate the beginning of a cognitive condition.

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events. Asking the same questions repeatedly. Increasingly relying on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle independently.

2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing monthly bills, or keeping track of regular tasks. Taking much longer to do things than before. Making unusual errors in math or judgment.

3. Confusion with Time or Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. Forgetting where they are or how they got there. Difficulty understanding something that isn't happening immediately.

4. Trouble Understanding Visual or Spatial Relationships

Difficulty reading, judging distances, or determining color and contrast. Problems with balance or navigating familiar spaces. Trouble recognizing faces or common objects.

5. New Problems with Words

Trouble following or joining conversations. Stopping mid-sentence with no idea how to continue. Struggling to find the right word or calling things by the wrong name.

6. Misplacing Things and Inability to Retrace Steps

Putting things in unusual places. Being unable to retrace steps to find lost items. Accusing others of stealing, which may become more frequent over time.

7. Decreased or Poor Judgment

Changes in decision-making, especially around money. Paying less attention to personal grooming or hygiene. Falling for scams or making uncharacteristic financial decisions.

8. Withdrawal from Social Activities

Pulling away from hobbies, social activities, or work projects. Difficulty keeping up with favorite sports teams or remembering how to complete familiar activities. Avoiding social situations.

9. Changes in Mood and Personality

Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Getting easily upset in situations outside their comfort zone. Noticeable personality changes.

10. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

Trouble driving to familiar locations. Difficulty managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Problems operating household appliances.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Don't panic. Some of these symptoms can be caused by treatable conditions like depression, medication side effects, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies.

Schedule a doctor's visit. A thorough medical evaluation can identify treatable causes and, if necessary, begin the diagnostic process for dementia.

Start researching care options early. Understanding what in-home dementia care looks like can help you plan before it becomes urgent.

Connect with support resources. The Alzheimer's Association helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides 24/7 support and can connect you with local resources.