It’s normal to forget where you put your keys or what you walked into a room for. But when memory problems start interfering with daily life or are accompanied by other issues like confusion or difficulty with language, it might be a cause for concern. Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline that interferes with everyday activities. Recognizing the early signs is key to managing the condition and maintaining quality of life.

If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, understanding these early indicators and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference.

Common Early Signs of Dementia

  • Memory Loss That Affects Daily Life - While forgetting names or appointments occasionally is common as we age, people with early dementia often forget recently learned information or important dates and events and may find themselves asking the same questions over and over. This kind of memory loss often disrupts daily life.
  • Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems - Individuals may struggle with tasks that involve planning or decision-making, such as managing finances, following a recipe, or keeping track of bills. A once-simple activity might suddenly feel overwhelming or confusing.
  • Trouble with Familiar Tasks - Someone in the early stages of dementia might find it hard to complete everyday tasks they’ve done all their lives. For instance, they may forget how to use a kitchen appliance or get confused while driving to a familiar place.
  • Confusion About Time or Place - Losing track of time is another possible sign. A person may forget what day it is, have trouble remembering upcoming events, or feel confused about their current location.
  • Language Problems - Struggling to find the right word, repeatedly stopping mid-sentence, or calling objects by the wrong name are common early signs. This difficulty with language can make conversations frustrating and confusing for both the individual and those around them.
  • Misplacing Items - Frequent misplacement of items, often in unusual or illogical places, can happen. For example, putting the TV remote in the refrigerator or car keys in a pantry is not uncommon. This kind of forgetfulness may also lead to accusations as individuals struggle to remember what happened.
  • Changes in Mood or Personality - A noticeable shift in mood, including feelings of depression, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities, could indicate cognitive decline. Personality changes, such as increased anxiety, distrust, or less interest in hobbies, are also red flags.
  • Poor Judgment - A person in the early stages of dementia might show lapses in judgment or make decisions they wouldn’t normally make, such as spending large amounts of money on unnecessary purchases or neglecting personal hygiene.
  • Difficulty Understanding Visual or Spatial Relationships - For some, dementia impacts depth perception, understanding distances, or recognizing faces and objects. This can lead to issues with driving or navigating their environment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these signs, it’s important not to panic. These symptoms don’t automatically mean dementia—it could be due to other factors such as stress, a vitamin deficiency, or medication side effects. Regardless, taking action early can lead to the best outcomes.

What You Can Do if You Notice These Signs

The first step is to consult a doctor. A healthcare professional can conduct tests to assess cognitive function and rule out other causes for the symptoms. If dementia is diagnosed, getting clarity early on allows for more treatment options and better care planning.

Adopt a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle

While there’s no cure for dementia, certain lifestyle changes can slow its progression and improve overall brain health. Here are some actionable steps:

  • Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support brain function. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, is often recommended for cognitive health.
  • Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and may help delay the onset of dementia symptoms. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be both manageable and beneficial.
  • Engage in Mental Stimulation: Keeping your brain active through puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing board games helps maintain cognitive abilities.
  • Protect Your Cardiovascular Health: Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can reduce the risk of further cognitive decline.
  • Prioritize Sleep and Lower Stress: Poor sleep and high stress are linked to memory problems. Focus on activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation or spending time outdoors.

Lean On Your Support System

A strong support network can make facing the challenges of dementia easier. Reach out to family members, friends, and even local community groups. Sharing responsibilities with loved ones can lighten the emotional and physical load.

Caregivers, in particular, should take steps to avoid burnout. Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide a safe space to share feelings, ask questions, and gain advice from others in similar situations.

Explore Treatment Options

While there’s no definitive cure for dementia, medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil or rivastigmine) may help manage some symptoms or slow the progression in certain cases. Cognitive therapies and other interventions can also improve quality of life.

An early diagnosis allows individuals and families to make important decisions about future care, finances, and other arrangements. For example, this might involve designating powers of attorney or creating a care plan so that needs are met as the condition progresses.

Encouraging Early Detection

It’s easy to dismiss symptoms as part of normal aging, but catching dementia early makes a significant difference. Knowing what to look for and addressing potential concerns helps individuals maintain their independence and access resources to enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Remember, noticing the signs of dementia isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one that can include hope, understanding, and proactive care. Small steps like seeing a doctor, making lifestyle adjustments, and connecting with others can go a long way in navigating the challenges ahead. Stay informed, support one another, and know that help is available every step of the way.