Early Signs of Dementia You Should Never Ignore
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While occasional forgetfulness is common, dementia involves ongoing changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, or language that interfere with daily life. Recognising the early signs can help people receive an earlier assessment and appropriate care.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Frequently forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or appointments, and relying increasingly on reminders or family members.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Struggling with tasks that were once routine, such as following a recipe, paying bills, or managing medications.
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Finding it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as driving a familiar route, using household appliances, or completing work tasks.
4. Confusion About Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or where you are, or becoming confused about how you got somewhere.
5. Problems Finding the Right Words
Difficulty following conversations, repeating yourself, or struggling to find common words when speaking.
6. Misplacing Things Frequently
Putting items in unusual places and being unable to retrace your steps to find them.
7. Poor Judgement
Making unusual decisions, such as giving away large sums of money, neglecting personal hygiene, or falling for scams.
8. Changes in Mood or Personality
Becoming unusually anxious, suspicious, irritable, withdrawn, or losing interest in hobbies and social activities.
9. Difficulty Understanding Visual Information
Problems judging distances, recognising objects, reading, or navigating familiar places.
10. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
Avoiding conversations, hobbies, or gatherings because thinking or memory problems make participation more difficult.
When to See a Doctor
Arrange a medical assessment if memory or thinking changes:
- Interfere with daily activities
- Are getting progressively worse
- Concern family members or friends
- Affect safety, finances, or medication management
Many conditions besides dementia—such as depression, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, sleep problems, or infections—can also cause memory difficulties, and some are treatable.
Supporting Brain Health
Healthy habits that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline include:
- Regular physical activity
- A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying socially and mentally active
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
