Here’s a clear, medically backed guide to the early warning signs of dementia. Catching these signs early can help with timely medical evaluation and care.
10 Early Signs of Dementia You Should Never Ignore
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
- Forgetting recent events, appointments, or conversations repeatedly.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
- Trouble managing bills, following recipes, or keeping track of tasks.
3. Challenges Completing Familiar Tasks
- Struggling with routine activities like driving, using a phone, or household chores.
4. Confusion About Time or Place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or even where you are.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images or Spatial Relationships
- Difficulty reading, judging distance, or recognizing familiar faces.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
- Struggling to find the right word, repeating themselves, or calling things by the wrong name.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
- Placing items in unusual places and being unable to find them, sometimes accusing others of theft.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
- Making unusual financial decisions, neglecting self-care, or showing poor judgment in social situations.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
- Avoiding hobbies, social events, or work projects that used to be enjoyable.
10. Changes in Mood or Personality
- Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious for no apparent reason.
⚠️ Important
- Experiencing one or two of these occasionally may not indicate dementia—but a pattern over time is a red flag.
- Early evaluation by a doctor or neurologist is crucial for proper diagnosis and planning.
I can also make a practical “early dementia watchlist” so you can track these signs safely over time for yourself or a loved one, which can really help with early detection.
Do you want me to make that?
