Dementia symptoms can develop gradually, and occasional forgetfulness is common with aging. However, persistent changes that interfere with daily life should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Early signs can vary depending on the type of dementia and the person.
10 Early Signs of Dementia to Watch For
- Memory loss that affects daily life
- Repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recent conversations, or relying much more on reminders.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Trouble managing bills, following a familiar recipe, organizing tasks, or making decisions.
- Problems with familiar activities
- Struggling with routines that were once easy, such as driving familiar routes, using appliances, or managing medications.
- Confusion about time or place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, locations, or becoming unsure how they arrived somewhere.
- Changes in language
- Difficulty finding words, following conversations, or naming familiar objects.
- Misplacing items in unusual places
- Putting objects in strange locations and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
- Reduced judgment
- Unusual financial decisions, falling for scams, or neglecting personal safety.
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
- Increased anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, apathy, or noticeable personality changes.
- Loss of interest in hobbies and social activities
- Avoiding activities previously enjoyed because they feel difficult or overwhelming.
- Difficulty with visual or spatial skills
- Problems judging distances, recognizing objects, navigating spaces, or experiencing new balance issues.
When to seek medical advice
A check-up is worthwhile if memory or thinking changes are:
- Getting worse over time
- Affecting independence or safety
- Noticed by family or close friends
- Accompanied by changes in personality, speech, movement, or daily functioning
Many conditions besides dementia—such as medication effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, depression, sleep problems, or infections—can cause memory or thinking changes, and some are treatable.
