17 Subtle Early Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore

Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be challenging, as they often appear subtle and are easily mistaken for normal aging or everyday forgetfulness. However, dementia is far more than occasional absent-mindedness—it is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. The earlier dementia is detected, the better the chances of slowing its progression and improving quality of life through early intervention, lifestyle changes, and medical support. To help you stay informed, we’ve expanded our list to 17 early signs of dementia you need to recognize. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, knowing what to watch for can make a crucial difference in seeking timely medical advice. While some signs may seem minor at first, they can indicate underlying cognitive decline that should not be ignored. If any of these symptoms are present, consulting a doctor for an assessment is essential—early action can be life-changing.

1. Reduced Concentration

One of the most common early symptoms of dementia is reduced concentration. Patients may find themselves having more and more trouble focusing on tasks, which can be incredibly frustrating, as the ability to memorize information and learn new things is also greatly affected. Book lovers may find they can't read a paragraph without their attention wandering, or they have to read the same passage several times to absorb it. Affected individuals might have trouble paying attention to tasks both at work and during their leisure time. It's normal to have periods when concentration on work is difficult, but if an individual's focus is being severely impaired while doing hobbies they can usually manage, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor. Of course, reduced concentration isn't necessarily caused by dementia. A whole host of other conditions could be behind it, which is why a professional medical assessment is so critical. Depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two common psychological illnesses that cause a lack of concentration, while hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism might point to a physical cause.

2. Personality Changes

Individuals with dementia will usually undergo some personality changes. One cognitive change might be a loss of interest in hobbies and activities they previously enjoyed, and they may also have completely changed behavioral patterns and priorities. Dementia alters the brain as it progresses. The earliest personality changes individuals might see are increased anxiety and depression. The changes will become more severe and unpredictable as the disease progresses. Patients may also make impulsive decisions or become angry for no reason. There's also a phenomenon called sundowning, in which a patient will become more upset during the night. Dementia patients often have their aggression triggered when they are in pain, overstimulated, or stressed and confused. If individuals have experienced any unusual changes in their personality, it's important to talk to a doctor. Even if the cause isn't dementia, it is likely a treatable neurological or psychological illness.

3. Apathy And Withdrawal

Dementia patients will often experience apathy and withdrawal. In many cases, these symptoms are paired with a lack of concentration or depressed mood. Patients who are apathetic may cease to have an interest in any aspect of their lives, from hobbies and relationships to self-care. In its most extreme state, this withdrawal from life may resemble a sort of catatonia. If an individual experiences extreme apathy and withdrawal, seeing a medical professional is imperative. Studies show increased apathy in dementia patients might be a sign the disease is progressing more quickly than normal. In addition, even if the cause isn't dementia, such behavior can be a sign of other neurological or psychological illness.

4. Increased Confusion

An increase in confusion is an often-overlooked early warning sign of dementia, typically played off as no big deal. By the time the confusion reaches a point that requires medical intervention, it may be too late to use preventative treatment measures. Dementia patients will become confused more easily in different situations. They might find themselves having difficulty following or contributing to a complex conversation. They may also forget what they're doing in the middle of a task, or forget where they are and where they're going. This confusion might occur over mild things, but if individuals notice an increase in their overall confusion or the confusion of a loved one, a doctor should do an assessment. The confusion and forgetfulness will also come with a decrease in the affected individual's ability to reason. They might make dangerous decisions, ignore hygiene requirements, or forget to eat.

5. Remembering Recent Events

Memory loss is the most characteristic symptom of dementia. In many cases, dementia patients will forget recent events, but they will remember things from years ago like they happened yesterday. Dementia patients might become confused enough to believe they're younger or interacting with people who have passed away. Difficulty remembering recent events isn't limited to just the 'forgetting people' experience. In the early stages of the disease, an affected individual might repeat a task several times after forgetting they have already done it. They might wash their face three times in the morning, change their clothes several times, or repeat tasks unnecessarily in the workplace. It's also common for individuals to forget events that just occurred. One example is getting gas and then forgetting if they closed the fuel gauge or not and repeating the action to make sure.

6. Difficulty Following Conversations

One of the early signs of dementia is struggling to keep up with conversations, particularly when they involve multiple people or complex topics. Individuals may frequently lose their train of thought, ask the same question repeatedly, or forget key details that were just mentioned. They might also struggle to find the right words, leading to pauses or sentences that trail off. As dementia progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for affected individuals to follow fast-paced discussions, which can lead to frustration and social withdrawal. This symptom is often mistaken for simple forgetfulness or distraction, but when it begins interfering with everyday interactions, it is worth seeking medical advice.

7. Getting Lost in Familiar Places

One of the more concerning early signs of dementia is when individuals begin to get lost in places they have known for years. They might have trouble following directions, even if they are driving a familiar route or walking in their own neighborhood. In some cases, they may forget why they went somewhere or how to get back home. This symptom is related to spatial awareness and memory decline, which are both affected in the early stages of dementia. While everyone gets turned around now and then, a sudden increase in disorientation—especially in places that should be second nature—warrants further attention.

8. Struggling with Time and Dates

Dementia often causes individuals to lose track of time, making it difficult to remember the day of the week, the month, or even the year. They might forget scheduled appointments, birthdays, or important deadlines, even if they were always punctual and well-organized in the past. This confusion can extend beyond dates—some individuals struggle to differentiate between past and present events, which can lead to recalling memories as though they are happening in real-time. Over time, this can make daily planning and scheduling nearly impossible without assistance.

9. Poor Judgment and Decision-Making

Early dementia often affects the ability to make sound decisions, leading to choices that seem uncharacteristic or reckless. For example, someone who was once financially responsible may start spending excessively on unnecessary items or fall victim to scams. Others might wear inappropriate clothing for the weather, like a heavy coat on a hot day or shorts in the winter. Some may forget to pay their bills or neglect personal hygiene. These changes in judgment are linked to cognitive decline and should not be ignored if they become more frequent or severe.

10. Misplacing Items in Unusual Places

While everyone occasionally loses their keys or forgets where they placed their phone, dementia patients often misplace items in completely illogical locations. They might put their car keys in the fridge, store a wallet inside the bathroom cabinet, or place the remote control inside the microwave. They may also struggle to retrace their steps to find missing objects, often blaming others for taking or moving their belongings. This is a key indicator that short-term memory and problem-solving skills are deteriorating.

11. Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Dementia can significantly disrupt normal sleep cycles, causing individuals to sleep excessively during the day and remain restless at night. Some may struggle with insomnia, frequently waking up disoriented and wandering around the house. Others might experience vivid dreams that confuse them upon waking, making it difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. Sleep disturbances can lead to increased fatigue and irritability, worsening other dementia symptoms and making daily activities even more challenging.

12. Increased Anxiety or Paranoia

Heightened anxiety or paranoia can be an early sign of dementia, especially when individuals begin to feel excessively suspicious or fearful without a clear reason. They might believe loved ones are stealing from them, become convinced someone is following them, or feel unsafe in their own home. Some dementia patients also develop an overwhelming fear of leaving the house or being in crowded places. These behavioral changes are often linked to the brain’s difficulty in processing information correctly, leading to misplaced fears and distrust.

13. Difficulty Adapting to Change

Individuals in the early stages of dementia often struggle with even minor changes in routine. A simple shift in plans—such as taking a different route to the grocery store or attending a new social event—can trigger frustration or distress. They may insist on following strict routines and become agitated when something unexpected occurs. This resistance to change stems from cognitive difficulties in processing new information and adjusting to unfamiliar situations, making even small disruptions feel overwhelming.

14. Neglecting Personal Hygiene

A noticeable decline in personal hygiene can be an early indicator of dementia. Individuals who were once meticulous about their appearance may suddenly forget to bathe, brush their teeth, or change their clothes regularly. They might not recognize the importance of these tasks or become overwhelmed by the steps involved. Poor hygiene can also be linked to apathy, where individuals lose interest in self-care and daily routines altogether. If hygiene habits drastically decline without an obvious reason, it could signal the onset of cognitive decline.

15. Frequent Mood Swings

Dementia can cause significant shifts in mood and emotional regulation, leading to sudden and unpredictable mood swings. Affected individuals may go from happy to irritable in a matter of minutes, with little explanation for the change. They may become tearful over small frustrations or display uncharacteristic outbursts of anger. These mood swings can make relationships difficult, as loved ones struggle to understand why the individual is reacting so differently than usual. This symptom is often dismissed as stress or depression, but when it occurs alongside other cognitive issues, it should be taken seriously.

16. Loss of Interest in Social Activities

Social withdrawal is another early sign of dementia. Someone who once enjoyed gatherings, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends may suddenly lose interest in these activities. They might stop attending their weekly book club, avoid phone calls, or make excuses to skip social outings. This withdrawal is often linked to cognitive difficulties in keeping up with conversations, remembering names, or processing social cues. It can also stem from feelings of frustration or embarrassment when struggling to participate in familiar activities.

17. Inability to Follow Instructions or Recipes

A subtle yet significant sign of dementia is the inability to follow step-by-step instructions. Tasks that once seemed second nature—such as following a recipe, assembling furniture, or completing a craft—become confusing and frustrating. Individuals may forget key steps, skip instructions, or abandon the task altogether. This decline in sequential thinking and problem-solving abilities can make daily activities increasingly difficult and often leads to reliance on others for guidance.

The Importance of Recognizing Early Signs

Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial for seeking timely medical intervention and exploring treatment options that may slow the disease’s progression. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, consistent cognitive decline—especially when it affects daily life—should not be ignored. Whether it's increased confusion, personality shifts, or trouble following conversations, these symptoms provide valuable warning signs that should be addressed with a healthcare professional. If you or a loved one is experiencing multiple symptoms on this list, consulting a doctor can provide clarity, support, and the opportunity to plan for the future. Early diagnosis allows for better management, ensuring that individuals with dementia receive the care and resources they need to maintain their quality of life.