Forget where you put your keys? Walk into a room and can’t remember why? Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but when memory issues become more frequent or start affecting daily life, they could be early signs of dementia.
Dementia isn’t just about memory loss—it’s a broad term for cognitive decline that affects thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Catching it early can make a big difference in managing symptoms and slowing progression.
Here are 9 early warning signs of dementia that you shouldn’t ignore.
Contents
- 1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
- 2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
- 3. Confusion with Time and Place
- 4. Trouble Finding the Right Words
- 5. Misplacing Items in Unusual Places
- 6. Mood Swings and Personality Changes
- 7. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making
- 8. Withdrawal from Social Activities
- 9. Difficulty with Visual and Spatial Skills
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Why it matters: Forgetting names, appointments, or important events more frequently than usual can be an early sign.
The science: Short-term memory is often one of the first areas affected by cognitive decline.
When to be concerned: If someone repeatedly asks the same questions or relies heavily on reminders.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Why it matters: Struggling to follow recipes, manage finances, or complete familiar tasks may indicate cognitive decline.
The science: Dementia affects executive function, making it harder to process steps in a logical order.
When to be concerned: If simple tasks that were once easy become overwhelming or confusing.
3. Confusion with Time and Place
Why it matters: Losing track of dates, seasons, or even where you are can signal dementia.
The science: The brain’s orientation center, responsible for tracking time and location, is often affected early on.
When to be concerned: If someone frequently forgets the day, the month, or where they are.
4. Trouble Finding the Right Words
Why it matters: Struggling to follow or join in on conversations can be a red flag.
The science: Language processing areas in the brain can deteriorate, making it difficult to recall words.
When to be concerned: If someone pauses frequently, replaces words incorrectly, or loses their train of thought mid-sentence.
5. Misplacing Items in Unusual Places
Why it matters: Everyone misplaces things, but consistently putting items in odd locations (like keys in the fridge) can be a warning sign.
The science: Dementia affects spatial awareness and memory, leading to misplaced belongings.
When to be concerned: If someone frequently accuses others of stealing because they can’t remember where they put something.
6. Mood Swings and Personality Changes
Why it matters: Uncharacteristic mood changes, irritability, or social withdrawal can indicate early dementia.
The science: Dementia can impact emotional regulation and cause personality shifts.
When to be concerned: If someone becomes unusually anxious, depressed, or easily frustrated.
7. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making
Why it matters: Making risky financial decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, or falling for scams can indicate declining judgment.
The science: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and decision-making, is often affected in dementia.
When to be concerned: If someone makes frequent errors in judgment that are out of character.
8. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Why it matters: Avoiding social gatherings, hobbies, or conversations may be a sign of cognitive decline.
The science: Struggling to follow conversations or feeling overwhelmed can lead to withdrawal.
When to be concerned: If someone who was once social becomes isolated or uninterested in activities.
9. Difficulty with Visual and Spatial Skills
Why it matters: Trouble judging distances, reading, or recognizing faces can signal dementia.
The science: The brain’s ability to process spatial relationships is often affected early on.
When to be concerned: If someone struggles with depth perception, gets lost in familiar places, or has difficulty reading.
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