Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs. This includes forgetting important dates, asking for the same information repeatedly, or relying heavily on memory aids (notes, family members) for things you used to handle on your own.
What it looks like: Forgetting a grandchild's birthday but remembering events from 40 years ago. Dementia affects short-term memory first.
When to worry: When forgetting becomes frequent and interferes with daily functioning.
2. Difficulty Planning or Problem-Solving
People may find it hard to follow a familiar recipe, keep track of monthly bills, or concentrate on tasks that require multiple steps.
What it looks like: Taking much longer to do things than before, or being unable to follow a familiar process.
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Driving to a familiar location, remembering the rules of a favorite game, or making a grocery list may become challenging.
What it looks like: A lifelong cook forgetting how to prepare a family recipe. A driver getting lost on a familiar route.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. Sometimes people forget where they are or how they got there.
What it looks like: Forgetting what day it is, but remembering later. Or being unable to recall the season or time of day at all.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images or Spatial Relationships
Vision changes can indicate dementia. People may have difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining color or contrast.
What it looks like: Difficulty driving, bumping into things, or misjudging steps.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
People may struggle to follow a conversation, repeat themselves, or call things by the wrong name.
What it looks like: Calling a "watch" a "hand clock." Stopping mid-sentence and being unable to continue.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Putting things in unusual places (keys in the freezer, wallet in the microwave) and being unable to retrace steps to find them. Sometimes accusing others of stealing.
What it looks like: Finding the remote control in the refrigerator and having no idea how it got there.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
Changes in decision-making or judgment. People may pay less attention to grooming, hygiene, or safety.
What it looks like: Wearing a heavy coat on a hot day. Giving large sums of money to telemarketers. Forgetting to eat or bathe.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
People may stop pursuing hobbies, attending social events, or engaging in activities they once loved—often because they feel embarrassed or confused.
What it looks like: The avid gardener letting the garden go. The bridge club regular stopping attendance.
10. Changes in Mood or Personality
Anxiety, fear, suspicion, depression, or agitation can appear. People may become easily upset in situations outside their comfort zone.
What it looks like: A usually calm person becoming easily angered. A trusting person becoming suspicious of family members.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Step 1: Don't Panic
Many conditions cause dementia-like symptoms: vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, medication side effects, depression, and infections. Some are treatable and reversible.
Step 2: Keep a Log
Write down what you've noticed, when it started, and how often it happens. This information is gold for a doctor.
Step 3: See a Doctor
Start with a primary care provider. They can perform a cognitive assessment and order blood work to rule out other causes.
Step 4: Bring Someone with You
A second set of ears (and someone who knows you well) can help remember what the doctor says and add observations.
Step 5: Ask Questions
"What could be causing these changes?"
"What tests do you recommend?"
"If it's dementia, what are our next steps?"
Risk Factors for Dementia
| Uncontrollable | Controllable |
|---|---|
| Age | High blood pressure |
| Genetics | Smoking |
| Family history | Diabetes |
| Obesity | |
| Physical inactivity | |
| Depression | |
| Social isolation |
What you can control: Managing blood pressure, not smoking, staying active, eating well, staying socially engaged, and treating depression all reduce risk.
The Bottom Line
Early detection matters. Not because we can cure dementia (we can't yet), but because:
Treatments work better when started early
Reversible causes can be identified and treated
Planning can happen while the person can participate
Quality of life can be maintained longer
If something on this list resonates, please reach out to a healthcare professional. You're not overreacting. You're not being dramatic. You're being an advocate for your health or the health of someone you love.
You deserve answers. You deserve support. And you deserve to move forward with hope.
