10 Early Signs of Dementia: Symptoms, Warning Signs & Next Steps

Brian Callahan • January 20, 2025

10 Early Signs of Dementia: Symptoms, Warning Signs & Next Steps

Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial for ensuring timely care and support. Dementia affects millions of families worldwide, and early detection can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. While some memory lapses are a normal part of aging, persistent confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and changes in judgment could signal something more serious. If a loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, working with a top home care agency specializing in dementia care, like 7 Day Home Care, can provide the expert assistance needed to keep them safe, engaged, and comfortable at home. From personalized memory care programs to 24/7 support, professional caregivers can help individuals maintain their independence while receiving compassionate, specialized care in a familiar environment.


If you or your loved one are seeking in-home care services in the New York Metropolitan Area - including Nassau County, ManhattanQueensBrooklyn, and Suffolk County rest assure that our highly trained and experienced team of Home Health Aides in dementia care is dedicated to providing an exceptional personalized care experience that enhances quality of life and well-being. Please call for a free consultation today at 516-408-0034.

Two women are sitting at a table talking to each other.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Dementia is Crucial

Dementia is one of the fastest-growing health concerns worldwide, affecting over 55 million people globally. A new case is diagnosed every 3 seconds, and by 2050, the number of people with dementia is expected to triple to 152 million.


Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial for early intervention, better treatment outcomes, and planning for care needs. Many families miss the subtle signs, assuming they are normal aging—but spotting the differences early can make a huge impact.


At 7 Day Home Care, we specialize in personalized dementia care to support individuals and families facing cognitive decline. If you or a loved one are experiencing memory issues, we’re here to help. Call 516-408-0034 for expert dementia in-home care services today.


What Are the First Signs of Dementia?


Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behavior, often starting with small, subtle changes that worsen over time. Below are the 10 most common early warning signs of dementia.


1. Dementia and Memory Loss That Affects Daily Life


 Forgetting names, appointments, or conversations.

 Asking the same questions repeatedly.

 Relying on sticky notes, reminders, or family members to remember things.


✅ Normal Aging: Occasionally forgetting names but remembering later.

❌ Dementia: Forgetting important people or events permanently.


2. Dementia and Difficulty Finding Words or Speaking


 Struggling to find the right words in conversations.

 Repeating words or phrases frequently.

 Losing track of conversations or forgetting what they were saying mid-sentence.


✅ Normal Aging: Sometimes pausing to find the right word.

❌ Dementia: Frequent struggles with speech and understanding.


3. Dementia and Confusion About Time & Place


 Losing track of dates, seasons, or time of day.

 Getting lost in familiar places (e.g., a neighborhood they’ve lived in for years).

 Forgetting why they walked into a room or how they got somewhere.


✅ Normal Aging: Forgetting the day of the week but remembering later.

❌ Dementia: Chronic disorientation and confusion in familiar settings.


4. Dementia, Poor Judgment, and Decision-Making


 Making unusual financial choices (e.g., giving away large sums of money).

 Dressing inappropriately for the weather (e.g., wearing a coat in hot weather).

 Falling for scams or fraudulent phone calls more easily.


✅ Normal Aging: Making a bad decision occasionally.

❌ Dementia: Frequent lapses in judgment leading to dangerous situations.


5. Mood & Personality Changes with Dementia


 Becoming more irritable, anxious, or depressed.

 Increased paranoia or suspicion, even toward close family members.

 Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities.


✅ Normal Aging: Feeling occasionally moody or irritable.

❌ Dementia: Drastic personality changes that affect daily interactions.


6. Dementia Causing a Withdrawal from Social Activities


 Avoiding family gatherings, hobbies, or work responsibilities.

 Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities (e.g., cooking, gardening, reading).

 Becoming more isolated or withdrawn.


✅ Normal Aging: Sometimes feeling uninterested in socializing.

❌ Dementia: Complete disengagement from friends and activities.


7. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks with Dementia


 Struggling with routine tasks like cooking, paying bills, or driving.

 Getting confused while following a recipe or simple instructions.

 Taking much longer to complete normal daily activities.


✅ Normal Aging: Occasionally forgetting a step in a familiar task but recalling it later.

❌ Dementia: Struggling with routine activities they’ve done for years.


8. Repeating Questions or Stories and Dementia


 Asking the same question multiple times in a short period.

 Repeating stories, statements, or anecdotes without realizing it.

 Forgetting recently discussed topics and restarting the same conversation.


✅ Normal Aging: Repeating a story to different people at different times.

❌ Dementia: Repeating the same question within minutes, unaware they already asked it.


9. Dementia and Changes in Vision or Spatial Awareness


 Difficulty judging distances, which affects driving or walking.

 Trouble reading, recognizing faces, or distinguishing colors.

 Misinterpreting shadows or reflections, causing fear or confusion.


✅ Normal Aging: Changes in eyesight requiring glasses.

❌ Dementia: Persistent vision problems unrelated to eye health.


10. Dementia and Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Self-Care


 Forgetting to eat or losing interest in meals.

 Neglecting bathing, brushing teeth, or grooming.

 Dressing inappropriately or wearing the same clothes for days.


✅ Normal Aging: Occasionally skipping meals or feeling less hungry.

❌ Dementia: Persistent self-neglect leading to health risks.


When Should You Be Concerned about Dementia Warning Signs?


You should seek medical advice if a loved one:


 Displays multiple early dementia symptoms consistently.

 Struggles with daily activities or personal safety.

 Is becoming increasingly confused, withdrawn, or forgetful.


💡 Pro Tip: Keep a symptom journal and share concerns with a doctor early.


How to Reduce Dementia Risk


While dementia is not always preventable, research shows that lifestyle changes can lower risk:


 Exercise regularly – Reduces dementia risk by 30-40%.

 Eat a brain-healthy diet – The Mediterranean diet supports cognitive function.

 Stay socially engaged – Reduces cognitive decline.

 Manage heart health – High blood pressure and diabetes increase risk.

 Prioritize sleep – Lack of sleep accelerates Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.

 Keep learning – Brain exercises (puzzles, reading) help build cognitive resilience.


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of dementia or cognitive decline, consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance. While 7 Day Home Care provides expert home care services, we do not offer medical diagnoses or prescribe treatments. Always seek the advice of a licensed medical professional before making healthcare decisions.


How Home Care Can Help Dementia Patients


If a loved one is showing early signs of dementia, professional home care services can provide essential support.


At 7 Day Home Care, we offer:

✔ Personalized dementia care at home.

✔ Help with daily activities (bathing, meals, dressing, mobility).

✔ Memory care engagement  to engage cognitive function.

✔ Respite care for family caregivers.

✔ Compassionate companionship to prevent social isolation.


📞 Call us at 516-408-0034 for expert dementia home care services.


Final Thoughts: Take Action Early


Dementia is a progressive condition, but early detection and intervention can improve quality of life.


 Recognizing symptoms early allows for better treatment and planning.

 Seeking professional care can provide relief for families and individuals affected.

 Making healthy lifestyle changes may delay cognitive decline.


If you or a loved one need specialized dementia home care, contact 7 Day Home Care today at 516-408-0034 for personalized support and expert in-home caregiving.  7 Day Home Care is a licensed home care agency providing services in  ManhattanQueensBrooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York.


Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care


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Across New York, families searching for home care in East Meadow , Home Health Care Service Oceanside , or a reliable Home Care Agency in Glen Cove NY often reach the same conclusion: recovery at home is possible, but not without the right support. Providers like 7 Day Home Care exist to bridge the gap between hospital treatment and long-term stability at home. Understanding Stroke and How It Changes Daily Life A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, the consequences can vary widely — but almost always involve some loss of function. Types of Stroke and Their Impact on Recovery Ischemic strokes , caused by blood clots, are the most common and often leave survivors with weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Hemorrhagic strokes , caused by bleeding in the brain, may involve longer recovery times and greater cognitive challenges. Regardless of type, stroke recovery is rarely predictable. Progress may come slowly, and setbacks are common. Common Physical and Cognitive Effects After a Stroke Stroke survivors may experience: Limited mobility or paralysis Difficulty speaking, understanding, or swallowing Memory and concentration problems Emotional changes such as depression, anxiety, or irritability Loss of coordination and balance These changes affect everyday activities — from getting dressed to preparing meals — making independent living unsafe without assistance. Medical Complications Families Often Miss After a Stroke One of the most common misunderstandings families have after a stroke is believing that the most dangerous phase ends once the patient is discharged from the hospital. In reality, the post-discharge period is often medically more risky than the initial emergency. Blood pressure instability, dehydration, infections, and medication inconsistencies frequently develop quietly at home without obvious warning signs. Many stroke survivors are unable to clearly recognize or communicate subtle symptoms such as head pressure, unusual fatigue, mild confusion, or changes in vision. Families may assume these are “normal parts of recovery” and unintentionally delay intervention. This is where professional, medically informed observation becomes critical — not just for daily care, but for early detection of complications before they escalate into emergencies. What Stroke Recovery at Home Really Looks Like Many families expect recovery to be straightforward once their loved one is home. The reality is more complex. Home recovery requires constant adaptation , monitoring, and emotional support. The First Few Weeks After Hospital Discharge The early recovery period is often the most fragile. Stroke survivors are adjusting to new physical limitations while families are learning caregiving responsibilities for the first time. During this phase, the risks of falls, missed medications, dehydration, and emotional distress are highest. Professional post-stroke home care during this time provides structure, reassurance, and medical awareness — helping prevent avoidable complications that often lead to hospital readmission. Long-Term Recovery and Daily Adjustment Stroke recovery does not follow a straight line. Some abilities may return, while others require long-term support. At home, progress depends on consistency, encouragement, and safe routines — all of which are difficult to maintain without trained assistance. Daily Care Needs After a Stroke Post-stroke care is deeply personal. No two recovery journeys look the same, but most survivors require help in several key areas. 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