10 Early Signs of Dementia & How to Spot Them

Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and early detection can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and planning for the future. Understanding early signs is crucial for providing the right care and support to seniors experiencing cognitive changes. Below, we’ll explore 10 common early signs of dementia and how to recognize them.

Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life

One of the hallmark signs of early dementia is persistent memory loss that impacts everyday life. This isn’t the occasional misplaced set of keys or forgotten appointment. Instead, individuals may repeatedly forget recently learned information, ask the same questions multiple times, or have difficulty recalling important dates and events. If this becomes a pattern, it might signal the early stages of dementia.

How to spot it

Difficulty recalling recent conversations or events

Relying heavily on memory aids, such as notes or electronic reminders
Forgetting the names of close friends or family members

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Difficulty Planning or Problem-Solving

People with early dementia may find it increasingly hard to follow tasks that involve planning, decision-making, or problem-solving. They may have difficulty balancing a checkbook, following a recipe, or managing bills and finances. This decline in cognitive skills can make once simple tasks seem overwhelming or impossible.

How to spot it

Trouble completing multistep tasks, such as preparing a meal

Difficulty concentrating or following a series of instructions
Errors with basic calculations or day-to-day decision-making

Confusion with Time or Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time can be another early indicator of dementia. Individuals may also become disoriented, forgetting where they are or how they got there. This confusion often leads to anxiety and frustration as they grapple with their surroundings.

How to spot it

Forgetting the day of the week or confusing time periods (e.g., past and present)

Wandering into unfamiliar places or not understanding their location
Becoming disoriented even in familiar settings

Problems with Words and Communication

Dementia can make verbal and written communication challenging. Individuals may forget common words, lose their train of thought mid-conversation, or repeat themselves frequently. Reading and writing may also become more difficult as time goes on.

How to spot it

Pauses or challenges to find the right words during conversations

Misusing words or using incorrect substitutes
Trouble writing coherent sentences or understanding written material

Misplacing Items and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

Another common sign of early dementia is frequently losing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them. While we all occasionally misplace things, individuals with dementia may put items in unusual places and later lack the ability to remember where they left them or why.

How to spot it

Regularly losing household items, such as keys or glasses

Finding personal belongings in odd locations, such as a remote in the fridge
Accusing others of theft due to inability to locate items

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

Early dementia can make individuals less inclined to engage in hobbies, social events, or work-related tasks. They may experience a loss of confidence in their abilities or feel overwhelmed by the cognitive effort such activities require.

How to spot it

A noticeable decline in involvement with hobbies or interests

Avoiding family gatherings, social events, or conversations
Difficulty keeping up with work responsibilities or team projects

Decreased Judgment or Decision-Making

Poor judgment or decision-making often accompanies the early stages of dementia. Individuals may become more vulnerable to scams, make impulse purchases, or neglect personal hygiene. This can also extend to risky behaviors, such as forgetting to turn off appliances or leaving doors unlocked.

How to spot it

Dressing inappropriately for the weather (e.g., wearing a jacket in the summer)

Falling for telemarketing scams or phishing attempts
Neglecting to pay bills or properly manage finances

Changes in Mood and Personality

Significant and uncharacteristic changes in mood or personality are another key early sign of dementia. For example, someone who was once outgoing and cheerful may become withdrawn, irritable, or easily upset. These changes often stem from confusion and frustration about cognitive difficulties.

How to spot it

Increased irritability or feelings of paranoia

Unusual shifts in confidence, such as sudden anxiety about familiar activities
Depression or emotional flatness that seems inconsistent with their usual demeanor

Trouble Understanding Visual or Spatial Relationships

Some types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, can affect visual and spatial abilities. This can make it hard to judge distances, distinguish colors, or understand spatial relationships, which can lead to accidents or challenges with driving, reading maps, or even navigating a room.

How to spot it

Difficulty reading, interpreting charts, or following directions on a map

Trouble judging distances, leading to accidents or frequent stumbles
Challenges distinguishing colors and contrasts, particularly when driving

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Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive actions or questions can be a sign of cognitive decline. Individuals with early dementia may find themselves performing the same task over and over, such as organizing items in the same way multiple times, or frequently asking questions they’ve already received answers for.

How to spot it

Repeating the same question or story within a short period

Continuously organizing or rearranging items without purpose
Engaging in repetitive tasks, like folding and unfolding the same object

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