The Brain's SOS: 10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Can't Afford to Ignore

3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks

We all need a few moments to learn new technology, but struggling to do things you've always done—like driving to a regular location, managing your television remote, or following your favorite game’s rules—might signal more than a busy mind. Trouble completing familiar tasks, especially when it impacts things you once did with ease, is one of the key early indicators of dementia. Unlike simple frustration with a new app, this involves confusion during regular, comfortable routines. According to the CDC, getting lost on the way to a local grocery store or finding yourself unable to finish a beloved recipe are signs to take seriously. If this happens, give yourself credit for noticing; it’s never about perfection, but about understanding new needs as they arise. Consider keeping a daily log of difficult tasks and share these notes with a trusted friend or healthcare provider. Uncovering patterns early can help uncover helpful strategies, making day-to-day life feel less overwhelming and more supported.

4. Confusion With Time or Place

It’s easy to lose track of the date during a long weekend, but dementia-related changes go a step further, leading to confusion about seasons, the passage of time, or where you are. People may find themselves unsure how they arrived somewhere, or become lost in unfamiliar or even once-familiar places. The Mayo Clinic shares that this kind of disorientation isn’t about a simple “What day is it?” slip—it’s more persistent and recurring, sometimes creating worry and a feeling of being unmoored. Using large-print calendars, clocks, or routine-setting tools can help maintain a sense of grounding. If you notice these patterns in yourself or someone else, try gently building daily time cues and check-ins. Remember that needing reminders doesn’t diminish your abilities—it’s just another way to care for yourself and maintain independence for longer.