Here are 10 early signs of dementia you should never ignore — especially if you notice them happening more than just once in a while. These can be early indicators of conditions like Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, and spotting them early can help you or a loved one get medical evaluation, support, and planning sooner rather than later. (CDC)
🧠 1. Memory Loss That Interferes With Daily Life
Forgetting recently learned information, repeating questions, or increasingly needing reminders for things you used to handle independently — this goes beyond normal aging forgetfulness. (Alzheimer’s Association)
🧩 2. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Trouble with everyday activities like preparing meals, managing money, using familiar appliances, or following a routine that used to be easy. (CDC)
🧠 3. Poor Judgment or Decision Making
Making uncharacteristically bad financial or personal choices, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or seeming unaware of safety risks. (CDC)
🗣️ 4. Trouble With Language
Struggling to find the right words, losing your train of thought in conversations, or using unusual words in place of the correct ones. (CDC)
📍 5. Getting Lost or Disoriented
Becoming confused about where you are, how you got there, or forgetting how to get home from familiar places. (CDC)
🧠 6. Repeating Questions or Actions
Repeating the same questions, stories, or tasks frequently — even in the same conversation — can be a sign of early cognitive changes. (Healthline)
😕 7. Confusion With Time or Place
Not knowing the date, forgetting what day it is, or losing track of seasons or important events more often than expected. (CDC)
😐 8. Withdrawal From Social or Work Activities
Losing interest in hobbies, social events, or activities you once enjoyed — or avoiding interactions that were once easy. (CDC)
📍 9. Problems With Planning or Problem Solving
Difficulty following step-by-step instructions, managing bills, tracking appointments, or making decisions you used to handle with ease. (CDC)
😔 10. Changes in Mood or Personality
Unusual irritability, anxiety, apathy, depression, or personality shifts that are out of character and persistent may be an early sign. (CDC)
⚠️ Important
It’s normal to have occasional forgetfulness as part of aging — like forgetting a name or misplacing your keys. The red flags are when these changes:
• Happen frequently or get worse over time
• Interfere with independence in daily life
• Are noticed by others in addition to the person experiencing them (CDC)
If you or someone you know is showing several of these signs consistently, it’s worth talking with a healthcare provider — early evaluation can help determine the cause and plan next steps. (CDC)
Would you like a simple checklist version you can use to track these warning signs over time? (That can help when discussing them with a doctor.)
