Recognizing the Early Signs of Dementia

Seeing changes in a loved one’s memory or behavior can be overwhelming and concerning. You might wonder if these shifts are simply part of normal aging or a sign of something more serious like dementia. Understanding the early signs is the first step toward getting the support and resources your family needs. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated almost seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This condition is increasingly common, and recognizing the symptoms early can make all the difference.

Below are 11 common symptoms to watch for. While experiencing one or two doesn’t necessarily indicate dementia, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional if these signs persist or worsen. By staying informed, you can help your loved one receive a timely diagnosis and the care they deserve.

1. Confusion, Particularly Related to Time or Place

It’s common for someone with dementia to become disoriented about where they are, how they got there, or what day it is. They might confuse past and present events or lose track of important dates and appointments. This confusion often extends to situations they once navigated with ease, like following a favorite recipe or attending weekly social gatherings. If you notice repeated instances of confusion, it might be time to speak with a health care professional.

2. Changes in Mood or Personality

Dementia can interfere with a person’s emotional regulation, leading to abrupt mood swings or shifts in personality. Someone who was once calm and sociable may become irritable, anxious, or withdrawn. Conversely, they might show signs of apathy or lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. These shifts can happen quickly, sometimes causing friction or misunderstandings with loved ones.

3. Difficulty Remembering New Information

We all forget things occasionally, but for someone living with dementia, problems with short-term memory become more pronounced. They may forget recent conversations, important dates, or newly learned tasks and often rely on repeated reminders or notes to get through the day. According to the National Institute on Aging, this memory loss can significantly disrupt daily life and is one of the hallmark signs of dementia.

4. Growing Depressed and Withdrawn

Depression and social withdrawal are frequently observed in the early stages of dementia. An individual may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, spend more time alone, or show a noticeable drop in energy. Research has shown that late-life depression can sometimes be an early indicator of cognitive decline. If your loved one seems persistently sad, hopeless, or isolated, consider discussing these changes with a health care provider.

5. Trouble Problem-Solving

Everyday tasks that require concentration and a sequence of steps — like following a recipe or balancing a checkbook — can become increasingly challenging. Your loved one might struggle to manage finances, plan a trip, or even operate familiar kitchen appliances. Mistakes may become more frequent, causing frustration or even embarrassment, which can further discourage them from participating in these tasks.

6. Increased Anxiety

Feeling nervous about unfamiliar situations or routine tasks can signal cognitive changes. For someone experiencing early dementia, everyday outings, such as grocery shopping or driving, may suddenly feel overwhelming. Your loved one might ask for constant reassurance or avoid these activities altogether. This heightened anxiety can impact not only their emotional well-being but also their ability to maintain independence.

7. Challenges Communicating (Verbally or in Writing)

Language difficulties are another early sign of dementia. A person may pause frequently in conversation to find the right words, substitute words in unusual ways, or struggle to follow a conversation’s flow. Written communication, such as emails, letters, or text messages, may also lack clarity or contain repeated errors. This communication breakdown can cause frustration for both the individual and their loved ones.

8. Getting Lost, Especially on One’s Way to Familiar Places

Navigational challenges often accompany dementia. An individual might get lost while running errands or have trouble recalling routes to places they’ve visited countless times. This risk might worsen as dementia progresses, increasing the risk of wandering and making routine travel unsafe without assistance.

9. Routinely Misplacing Commonly Used Items

Everyone misplaces items occasionally, but dementia may lead to frequent or odd placements of everyday objects. A wallet might turn up in the dishwasher, or the TV remote might be in the freezer. The person may then accuse others of hiding or stealing these items, which can strain relationships if the underlying cognitive decline isn’t acknowledged and addressed.

10. Exhibiting Signs of Paranoia

Paranoia can arise when someone’s memory gaps and confusion lead them to fill in the blanks with suspicion. They may believe family members or caregivers are out to harm them or that neighbors are stealing their possessions. While this can be distressing for everyone involved, it’s important to remember that paranoia stems from the cognitive changes taking place and not from intentional malice.

11. Exercising Poor Judgment

Poor judgment might appear in financial decisions, personal grooming, or social interactions. A once-thrifty individual may start making questionable purchases or donations, while someone who was previously meticulous about hygiene may neglect basic self-care. Recognizing these behavioral shifts early can help prevent more significant issues like financial scams or health problems down the road.