10 Early Signs of Dementia That Families Often Miss
Dementia develops gradually, and its early warning signs are easy to dismiss as normal ageing. Recognising these 10 signs early gives families the chance to seek timely diagnosis and support.
Family member noticing early signs of dementia in an elderly parent
10 Early Signs of Dementia That Families Often Miss
Dementia often develops gradually, which means its early signs are not always easy to recognise. Many families assume these changes are simply a normal part of ageing.
In reality, recognising symptoms early is critically important so that the person affected can receive an accurate diagnosis and the right support.
Here are the early signs of dementia that most commonly appear:
1. Increasingly Frequent Forgetting
Forgetting recently learned information, or repeatedly asking the same question.
2. Difficulty with Familiar Activities
For example, struggling to prepare a meal they have always cooked without difficulty.
3. Difficulty Speaking or Finding Words
The person may stop mid-conversation because they cannot find the right word.
4. Confusion about Time and Place
A person may not know what day it is or where they are located.
5. Decline in Decision-Making Ability
For example, making unusual or out-of-character financial decisions.
6. Difficulty Managing Money
Problems paying bills or calculating change often appear as an early warning sign.
7. Frequently Losing Objects
Belongings are placed in unusual locations and cannot be found again.
8. Changes in Mood
A person who was previously calm may become easily irritable or anxious.
9. Withdrawal from Social Activities
The person may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
10. Personality Changes
Behavioural changes such as becoming more suspicious or fearful can occur.
Recognising these signs early can help families seek medical assistance sooner, so that the quality of life of the person affected can be better maintained.
Why Is Early Recognition of Symptoms Important?
An early diagnosis can help to:
- slow the progression of symptoms;
- enable more targeted and appropriate care; and
- help families prepare a care plan in advance.
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References (Daftar Pustaka)
- Alzheimer's Association (2024). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's.
- World Health Organization (2023). Dementia Fact Sheet.
No. Mild forgetfulness can occur as part of normal ageing — for example, forgetting someone's name but later remembering it, or taking longer to learn something new. Dementia is different because the memory impairment is far more serious and directly affects the ability to carry out everyday activities. Read more: <a href="https://rukunseniorliving.com/perbedaan-lupa-demensia/">The Difference Between Normal Forgetting and Dementia</a>.
The majority of dementia cases occur after the age of 65. However, dementia is not a normal part of the ageing process and does not automatically occur in all older people. In rarer cases, dementia can also appear at a younger age, known as young-onset dementia.
There is no scientifically proven method to fully prevent dementia. However, certain lifestyle measures can be taken to reduce the risk, including: staying physically active, maintaining a nutritious diet, sustaining cognitive stimulation, maintaining sleep quality, and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Early diagnosis enables: (1) steps that can slow the progression of symptoms to be implemented sooner; (2) more targeted and appropriate care from the outset; and (3) families to have sufficient time to prepare a long-term care plan — both financially, logistically, and emotionally.
The early signs of dementia — such as increasingly frequent forgetting, disorientation in time and place, personality changes, and difficulty with familiar daily activities — differ from ordinary forgetfulness because they are progressive and have a real impact on daily functioning. Ordinary forgetfulness is typically mild, does not worsen significantly over time, and does not broadly impair everyday function.