Dementia is a cognitive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease is known for its progressive nature, causing memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired social skills.

Unfortunately, most people are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease, and are unable to receive early intervention to manage its progression. However, recent studies show that there are early warning signs of dementia that can appear up to a decade before diagnosis.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the most common signs of dementia, and often begins with short-term memory. Individuals may forget recent events, conversations, or activities they have performed.

They may ask the same questions repeatedly or forget important dates or appointments. This is especially true for information that they would have usually remembered easily, such as phone numbers, names or faces of acquaintances, or familiar routes while driving.

2. Difficulty with Planning and Decision Making

Dementia can impact an individual’s ability to plan and make decisions. They may struggle with managing their finances or organizing their daily tasks.

They may have difficulty following familiar recipes, keep losing things even if they are placed in their regular spots for easy access, or have issues with routine task orders. Individuals with early warning signs of dementia may also show reduced attention to detail, which can lead to errors and mistakes that were never a problem for them before.

3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks

Individuals with early warning signs of dementia may have trouble completing familiar tasks that were once routine and easy.

They may show a lack of motivation and initiative when it comes to completing activities that are necessary for their wellbeing, such as taking showers or doing their laundry. It’s difficult for them to start and finish tasks on their own in a sequence. They may also forget how to perform tasks that they have done their whole life, like cooking or driving to a friend’s house.

4. Personality Changes

Dementia can cause a change in personality and behavior that is out of character for the person. They may become more irritable, anxious or suspicious. They may also become more reclusive, avoiding social events and activities that they once enjoyed.

Family and friends may notice these changes quickly, as they are different from the individual’s past behaviors.

5. Loss of Language Skills

In early stages, individuals may have difficulty finding the right words and engaging in conversations. They may use incorrect words or mix up common phrases. They may also have difficulty understanding what others are saying and communicating clearly.

Individuals may also forget the names of people and objects, even those that are familiar to them.

6. Misplacing Items or Being Unable to Find Them

Individuals with early warning signs of dementia may place items in unusual locations, including forgetting where they put them. They may accuse others of stealing their belongings or insist that someone has moved something that they can not find.

They may also experience difficulties in retracing their steps, even when searching for something they recently used.

7. Difficulty in Understanding Time and Place

Dementia can create confusion regarding time and place, making it difficult for individuals to understand when events took place or where they are currently located.

They may become disoriented and lose track of time, making it challenging to follow their regular routines and schedules. Individuals may also forget where they are or how they got there, causing them to feel lost and disoriented.

8. Poor Judgment

Individuals with early signs of dementia may show a reduced ability to make good judgments. They may make unwise decisions, like wearing clothes that are inappropriate for the weather.

They may also fall prey to scams and schemes, as they are unable to recognize when something is too good to be true. They may also demonstrate decreased ability to assess risk, including driving in hazardous conditions or doing risky activities.

9. Changes in Vision and Depth Perception

Dementia can affect an individual’s vision and depth perception, making it harder for them to distinguish between objects or see things in low light situations. They may experience difficulty with reading, handwriting, or recognizing faces.

Individuals may also have trouble judging distances and inability to judge spacial ‘depth’ when planning to use items or move in a certain way.

10. Depression and Withdrawal

Individuals with early warning signs of dementia may become more withdrawn and isolated. They may avoid social activities and lose interest in their regular hobbies and interests.

They may experience sadness and hopelessness, which can lead to feelings of depression. Family and friends may notice this change in behavior and work to provide emotional and social support.