10 Early Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It refers to changes in memory, thinking, and daily functioning that are significant enough to affect everyday life. Occasional forgetfulness can happen with normal aging, stress, or poor sleep, but persistent or worsening changes deserve attention.
1. Memory loss that affects daily life
Examples:
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Repeating the same questions
- Relying increasingly on notes or reminders
- Forgetting important appointments or events
2. Difficulty planning or solving problems
A person may struggle with:
- Managing bills
- Following a familiar recipe
- Keeping track of medications
- Completing tasks that were previously routine
3. Trouble with familiar tasks
Warning signs can include:
- Getting lost while driving familiar routes
- Forgetting how to use common appliances
- Difficulty completing familiar activities
4. Confusion about time or place
Examples:
- Losing track of dates or seasons
- Forgetting where they are or how they got there
- Becoming disoriented in familiar places
5. Changes in vision and spatial awareness
Possible issues:
- Difficulty judging distance
- Trouble recognizing objects
- Increased risk of bumping into things or falling
6. Problems with speaking or writing
Signs may include:
- Struggling to find the right words
- Losing track of conversations
- Repeating phrases frequently
7. Misplacing items in unusual places
Examples:
- Putting keys in the refrigerator
- Accusing others of stealing because items cannot be found
- Being unable to retrace steps
