Dementia doesn’t usually show up all at once. It creeps in quietly—through small, often overlooked changes in behavior, memory, and focus. And by the time it’s obvious, valuable time for early treatment or intervention may have already passed. Here are five subtle—but critical—symptoms to watch for.
1. Increasing Forgetfulness About Recent Events
We all misplace keys. But if someone is consistently forgetting recent conversations, repeating questions, or relying heavily on reminder notes, that could be a red flag.
Early-stage dementia tends to affect short-term memory first, while long-term memories remain intact.
2. Struggling With Familiar Tasks
Has someone started having trouble following a recipe they’ve made for years? Or getting confused while paying bills?
Losing the ability to complete routine activities—especially those involving steps or planning—is often an early sign of cognitive decline.
3. Personality Shifts or Mood Swings
Dementia can affect parts of the brain tied to emotion and behavior, leading to unusual irritability, confusion, depression, or apathy.
If a once-social person suddenly becomes withdrawn, or reacts oddly in situations they previously handled well, it’s worth paying attention.
4. Difficulty Finding the Right Words
Another common early sign is struggling with language. People might pause mid-sentence, use vague terms like “that thing,” or swap out words entirely without realizing it.
Occasional slips happen to everyone—but if it’s happening frequently, it may be a sign of early dementia-related brain changes.
5. Getting Lost in Familiar Places
This is one of the more alarming early symptoms. Getting turned around on a route someone has driven for years—or suddenly forgetting how to get home from the grocery store—can signal disorientation and spatial awareness issues.
Even a single instance should not be ignored.