15 Early Warning Signs of Dementia To Never Overlook

5. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

Early dementia can affect language skills, making it difficult for individuals to follow or join conversations. They may struggle to find the right words, call things by the wrong name, or repeat themselves. These language difficulties can be frustrating and isolating, leading to withdrawal from social activities. The brain regions responsible for language processing, such as the temporal lobes, are often affected in dementia. Identifying these changes early can help in developing communication strategies and seeking speech therapy to maintain verbal abilities.

6. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them is another subtle sign of early dementia. While everyone misplaces things occasionally, individuals with dementia may put things in unusual places and be unable to remember how they got there. This can lead to accusations of theft or paranoia. These behaviors are linked to changes in the brain's hippocampus, which is critical for forming new memories and spatial navigation. Recognizing this pattern early can lead to strategies for organizing belongings and reducing frustration.