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

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  Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York.

Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care