Dementia is not a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age. Many conditions can also cause memory or thinking problems, some of which are treatable. If you notice persistent changes in yourself or someone else, it’s worth discussing them with a healthcare professional.
Here are 10 early signs that should not be ignored:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Frequently forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
- Repeatedly asking the same questions.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing finances, or keeping track of bills.
- Problems completing familiar tasks
- Difficulty driving to a familiar place, operating household appliances, or following the rules of a favorite game.
- Confusion about time or place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or how they arrived somewhere.
- Difficulty understanding visual information
- Problems judging distances, recognizing objects, or reading. (These can also have eye-related causes.)
- New problems with speaking or writing
- Struggling to find the right words, following conversations, or repeating themselves.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
- Putting items in unusual places and being unable to figure out where they went.
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Unusual financial decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, or increased susceptibility to scams.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Avoiding hobbies, conversations, or activities they previously enjoyed because they’re harder to follow.
- Changes in mood or personality
- Becoming unusually anxious, suspicious, depressed, irritable, or apathetic.
When to seek medical advice
If these symptoms are:
- persistent,
- getting worse over time,
- or interfering with daily life,
it’s important to arrange a medical evaluation. Memory problems can be caused by many conditions besides dementia, including medication side effects, depression, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep disorders, and infections—some of which are treatable.
What to do next
A healthcare professional may recommend:
- A review of symptoms and medications.
- Memory and thinking tests.
- Blood tests to look for reversible causes.
- Brain imaging if appropriate.
Early evaluation can help identify the cause, start treatment when available, and plan for future care if needed. While there’s no cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis can improve symptom management and quality of life.
