10 Early Signs of Dementia You Should Know
Dementia is a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Occasional forgetfulness is common and does not always mean dementia, but persistent changes that interfere with daily life should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
1. Memory Loss That Affects Daily Life
A common early sign is repeatedly forgetting:
- Recent conversations
- Appointments
- Important dates
- Newly learned information
Normal aging may involve occasionally forgetting a name but remembering it later. Dementia-related memory problems tend to be more persistent and disruptive.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
A person may struggle with tasks they previously handled well, such as:
- Managing bills
- Following a familiar recipe
- Keeping track of medications
- Planning activities
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Warning signs may include difficulty with:
- Driving a familiar route
- Using household appliances
- Following familiar routines
4. Confusion About Time or Place
Someone may become confused about:
- The day, month, or year
- Where they are
- How they arrived somewhere
5. Problems With Vision and Spatial Awareness
Some forms of dementia can affect the ability to judge:
- Distance
- Colors or contrast
- How objects relate to each other
This may affect driving, reading, or navigating spaces.
6. New Problems With Speaking or Writing
Possible changes include:
- Struggling to find the right words
- Repeating phrases
- Losing track of conversations
- Difficulty following discussions
7. Misplacing Items and Being Unable to Retrace Steps
A person may put objects in unusual places and be unable to remember where they placed them.
8. Changes in Mood, Personality, or Behavior
Possible changes include:
- Increased anxiety or suspicion
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Unusual irritability
