Early Signs of Dementia You Need to Recognize

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.