Early Signs of Dementia You Need to Recognize

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.