Here are 10 early signs of dementia that should not be ignored:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Frequently forgetting recently learned information.
- Repeatedly asking the same questions.
- Relying heavily on reminders or others for things previously managed independently.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Trouble following familiar recipes.
- Difficulty managing finances or paying bills.
- Taking much longer to complete familiar tasks.
- Problems completing familiar tasks
- Getting confused while driving a familiar route.
- Forgetting the steps of a routine household task.
- Difficulty using appliances or technology previously mastered.
- Confusion with time or place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
- Forgetting where they are or how they got there.
- Trouble understanding visual information
- Difficulty judging distances or recognising objects.
- Problems reading or distinguishing colours and contrasts.
- Increased risk of falls or driving errors.
- New problems with speaking or writing
- Struggling to find the right words.
- Stopping in the middle of conversations.
- Repeating themselves or following conversations with difficulty.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
- Putting items in unusual places (e.g. keys in the refrigerator).
- Being unable to work backwards to find lost objects.
- Occasionally becoming suspicious that others have taken them.
- Poor judgement or decision-making
- Giving away large amounts of money.
- Neglecting personal hygiene.
- Making unsafe or impulsive decisions.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Avoiding hobbies or social events they once enjoyed.
- Losing interest because conversations or activities become difficult.
- Changes in mood or personality
- Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or confusion.
- Becoming unusually fearful, suspicious, or easily upset, especially in unfamiliar settings.
When to seek medical advice
It’s a good idea to arrange a medical assessment if these symptoms:
- Persist for weeks or months.
- Gradually worsen.
- Interfere with work, home life, or independence.
- Are noticed by family members or close friends.
Many conditions—including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, medication side effects, depression, sleep disorders, or infections—can cause symptoms similar to dementia and may be treatable. An early evaluation can help identify the cause and, if it is dementia, allow earlier treatment, planning, and support.
If you or someone else experiences sudden confusion, especially if it develops over hours or days or is accompanied by weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately, as this may indicate a stroke, delirium, or another urgent medical condition rather than dementia.
