Dementia is not a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age. Early symptoms can be subtle and may have other causes, some of which are treatable. If you notice persistent changes that interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation.
10 Early Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Frequently forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or appointments, and relying increasingly on reminders or others.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing bills, or concentrating on tasks that used to be routine.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Problems driving to a familiar location, using household appliances, or remembering the steps of routine activities.
- Confusion about time or place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or where you are, or forgetting how you got somewhere.
- Problems with vision or judging distances
- Difficulty reading, recognizing objects, or judging depth, which may affect driving or walking safely.
- New language problems
- Trouble finding the right words, repeating questions, or having difficulty following or joining conversations.
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
- Putting things in unusual places and being unable to figure out where they were left.
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Unusual financial decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, or making choices that are out of character.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Avoiding hobbies, social events, or activities that were once enjoyable because they have become difficult.
- Changes in mood or personality
- Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, suspicion, confusion, or apathy without another clear explanation
