10 Common Signs of Dementia

Recognizing the early signs of dementia can help families seek support and medical guidance sooner. While many people occasionally forget things or feel distracted, dementia symptoms are persistent and disruptive to daily life. Here are 10 of the most common signs, as outlined by trusted sources like the Alzheimer’s Association and the CDC.

1. Persistent Short-Term Memory Loss

Everyone misplaces keys or forgets an appointment on occasion, but consistent short-term memory gaps—such as repeatedly asking the same question or forgetting something learned moments ago—are among the hallmark early signs of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that forgetting recently learned information is often one of the earliest red flags. This type of forgetfulness often begins subtly: a person may rely heavily on notes, smartphone alarms, or family reminders and still miss important details.

2. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

Another red flag is struggling with routine activities that once felt automatic. For instance, an experienced cook might suddenly be unable to follow a well-known recipe, or a retiree who drove the same route for years may get lost on a simple trip home. These lapses stem from changes in cognitive processing and can be frightening for the individual experiencing them.

3. Challenges With Language

Dementia frequently interferes with verbal and written communication. People may pause mid-conversation, searching for words, or substitute incorrect terms (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand clock”). Over time, vocabulary narrows and sentence structure becomes simpler, making it harder for others to follow their train of thought.

4. Disorientation to Time and Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, or locations is another common sign. A person may wake up at night believing it’s morning or become confused about where they are. The CDC includes “confusion with time or place” among the most recognized symptoms.

5. Poor Judgment and Decision-Making

Brain changes linked to dementia often impair judgment. Individuals may make unusual purchases, give large sums of money to strangers, or forget to bathe and change clothes. These behaviors can be subtle at first—such as, over-watering plants or neglecting household bills—but tend to worsen without intervention.

6. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities

As cognitive challenges mount, people living with dementia sometimes retreat from hobbies, social groups, and family gatherings. They may worry about embarrassment if they forget names or details, or they may simply feel overwhelmed by the sensory input of loud conversations and crowded venues. Withdrawal can accelerate feelings of isolation and depression.

7. Mood and Personality Changes

Dementia can trigger rapid mood swings, anxiety, or irritability. A usually easy-going person might become suspicious or agitated, while someone historically shy might grow unusually outgoing. These changes result from both the neurological effects of the condition and the individual’s emotional struggle to cope with their shifting abilities.

8. Trouble With Visual-Spatial Skills

Dementia can affect perception. Reading maps, judging distances, or recognizing color contrasts may become difficult, which can increase the risk of falls or driving accidents. Both the CDC and AARP list visual-spatial problems as early indicators..

9. Misplacing Items and Inability to Retrace Steps

It’s normal to set your phone down and spend a few minutes hunting for it later. With dementia, misplacement happens frequently, and the person often cannot retrace their steps to find the missing object. Items may turn up in unusual places—like the TV remote in the freezer or car keys in the medicine cabinet.

10. Repetition of Actions or Statements

Repeating questions, retelling the same story, or completing a task multiple times in a row can be an early indicator of memory problems. Repetition occurs because new information is not successfully stored, leaving the person unaware they already said or did something moments earlier.

When to Seek Professional Help

⚠️ Important Note:
Not everyone who shows these signs has dementia. Many conditions — including stress, depression, medication side effects, or vitamin deficiencies — can mimic these symptoms. If you or a loved one notice persistent changes, consult a healthcare professional.

If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone you love, schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation. While dementia is not yet curable, early diagnosis allows for:

• Rule-out of reversible conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or medication side effects

• Access to drug and non-drug interventions that may slow progression

• Participation in clinical trials

• Advance care planning and financial preparations

• Connection to community resources like Senior Citizens Inc.’s DayBreak Respite Center and Adult Day Health programs

How Senior Citizens Inc. Can Help

Dementia’s early signs can be subtle, but recognizing and addressing them promptly makes a meaningful difference. Whether you are observing changes in a parent, spouse, neighbor, or yourself, remember that you’re not alone. At Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI), we understand the emotional toll dementia takes on families. You need a plan and we’re here to help.

Our DayBreak Respite Center and our Adult Day Health Centers offer evidence-based programming that nurtures an active mind, body, sense of purpose, and community—providing enriching daytime care for adults with cognitive challenges while giving caregivers a much-needed break.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call 912-236-0363 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment with our team.