Dementia has many different symptoms that occur due to a variety of diseases. Some of these symptoms include impairments in communication, memory, and thought.
The first signs of dementia can be relatively mild, and it might therefore be difficult to notice. However, early detection is important as it allows you more time to explore dementia treatment options and manage your condition.
What are the early symptoms of dementia?
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with memory, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is dementia. Generally, you’ll need to have at least two types of impairments that interfere with daily life to receive a diagnosis.
For example, as well as memory problems, you may also experience impairments in:
- Communication
- Maintaining focus
- The ability to reason
- Difficulty with language
Early signs of dementia in men vs women
The first signs of dementia are similar in men and women, though there may be some slight differences in the types of symptoms they display.
Early signs of dementia in men are more likely to be behavioural, such as exhibiting more aggressive behaviours. In contrast, early signs of dementia in women are more likely to be mood-related. For example, women are more likely to show signs of low mood and depression.
10 common early warning signs of dementia
We have outlined 10 early signs of dementia for you to look out for below. If you or someone you know exhibits several of these signs, you should consider consulting with a doctor or dementia specialist.
1. Subtle changes to short-term memory
Having trouble with memory can be an early sign of dementia. These changes are usually subtle and can start with you having issues with your short-term memory.
For example, you might be able to recall memories from years ago, but struggle to recount what you had for breakfast.
You might also forget why you entered a room, or what you were supposed to do that day, and where you left an item.
2. Difficulties with language and communication
Another early sign of dementia is struggling to communicate your thoughts. You may find it challenging to explain concepts to people, or have trouble finding the words to express yourself and your thoughts.
Having conversations can be difficult, and they may take longer to conclude.
3. Changes in mood and personality
Changes in mood are common with dementia. For example, depression is a typical sign of early dementia. You may not recognise these changes yourself, but you may notice these changes in someone else.
Personality changes may also occur alongside mood changes. For example, you may notice an individual who was once very shy may suddenly become more outgoing. This is because the condition itself can affect judgment and change the way people behave.
4. Increased feelings of confusion
During the early stages of dementia, you can often become confused. This can occur when memory, thinking or judgment is difficult, and confusion may arise when you are unable to communicate the right words or remember familiar faces.
You may also forget where you placed an item or what you were planning to do for the day.
5. Difficulties completing normal tasks
If you notice a subtle shift in the ability to complete tasks that you were once capable of completing, this may indicate a symptom of early dementia.
You may also experience difficulty with learning new things or following new routines.
6. Showing signs of apathy and withdrawal from social activities
Apathy is also quite common in the early stages of dementia. You may notice a loss of interest in hobbies and/or activities that were previously enjoyed.
You may also notice that there is less of a desire to spend time with friends and family, and you might often appear to be emotionally flat.
7. Difficulties following storylines
Difficulty following storylines in books, TV shows, and movies may indicate early dementia. You may find that you or a loved one often forget the meanings of words you hear or you might struggle to follow conversations or TV programs.
8. Showing repetitive behaviour
Repetition is common in dementia due to changes in memory, memory loss, and general changes in behaviour. For example, you may repeat daily tasks or begin to collect items obsessively.
You may also repeat the same questions in a conversation after they have been answered.
9. Struggling to adapt to change
The early stages of dementia can cause you to experience fear. This is because you may be unable to remember familiar faces or follow the conversation. You may also forget why you went to the shop or find yourself getting lost on the way home.
As a result, you may crave routine and can find yourself being reluctant to try new experiences. Difficulty adapting to change is also a typical sign of early dementia.
10. Increased disorientation and struggles with direction
Spatial orientation and the sense of direction can start to deteriorate with the onset of dementia. This can result in not recognising familiar places or locations and forgetting the directions of regularly used routes.
You may also notice that following a series of directions or step-by-step instructions is more difficult.
What is the difference between dementia and typical age-related changes?
It’s important to note that memory problems don’t automatically point to dementia, as these are normal parts of ageing. There are many other conditions that have symptoms similar to dementia, such as fatigue, stress, strokes, depression, hormonal disorders, and more.
Therefore, exhibiting these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have dementia. However, if you experience several dementia symptoms, you should consider consulting with a doctor.
We have outlined some differences between the early signs of dementia and typical age-related symptoms below:
| Early signs of dementia | Typical age-related symptoms |
| Problems with communication and having a conversation | Forgetting which word to use on some occasions |
| Consistent poor judgment and decision-making | Making poor decisions occasionally |
| Frequently losing items and being unable to retrace your steps to find them | Occasionally losing things |
| Losing track of the date, season, or time of year | Temporarily getting confused about what day of the week it is, but remembering later |
What should you do if you notice the first signs of dementia in yourself or someone else?
If you or your loved one is experiencing several of the signs we have listed, and they are not improving, we recommend that you speak to a doctor.
Your doctor can refer you to a neurologist who will examine you or your loved one’s physical and mental health to determine whether the symptoms result from dementia or another cognitive problem.
A neurologist may order:
- A series of memory and mental tests
- A neurological exam
- Blood tests
- Brain imaging tests
Dementia is more common in people over the age of 65, but it can also affect younger people. Early-onset dementia can begin in the 30s to 50s.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and maintain mental function. Treatments may include medications, cognitive training, and therapy.
Book an appointment with a dementia expert
At Dementech Neurosciences, we have an expert team of private dementia specialists who can help test for, diagnose, and provide tailored treatment plans to individuals with a range of dementia-related conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Parkinsonian dementia
If you or your loved one is experiencing early signs and symptoms of dementia, contact us for more information or book an appointment with one of our world-renowned neurologists today.
