Early Signs of Dementia: When Memory Loss Is Something More

The early signs of dementia often go unnoticed, because families put them down to age or tiredness. A forgotten name or a lost key does not mean dementia. When problems start to change daily life, though, it is worth talking to a doctor. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. This guide explains what is normal, what is not and which early steps help.

Normal forgetfulness or something more?

With age, the brain needs a little more time for new information. A healthy older person may forget where they left their glasses, but finds them by thinking back. They may not recall a word straight away, but it comes to them later. Their independence at home, with shopping and with money stays the same.

In dementia, the problems persist, get worse over time and make daily activities harder. The person often does not notice the problem. Usually, relatives see it first.

Early signs of dementia to watch for

The Alzheimer’s Association describes ten warning signs. The most common in practice are:

• Forgetting recent events and asking the same questions again and again.
• Trouble with planning, for example with a familiar recipe or with bills.
• Getting lost in familiar places or mixing up dates and seasons.
• Trouble with speech, stopping mid-sentence or calling familiar objects by the wrong name.
• Putting things in odd places and accusing others of taking them.
• Poor decisions about money, or neglect of personal hygiene.
• Pulling away from friends, hobbies and social activities.
• Changes in mood or personality, with suspicion, anxiety or irritability.

One sign alone is not enough for a diagnosis. What matters is the change compared with how the person used to be.

Treatable conditions that can look like dementia

Several causes of memory problems can improve with treatment. The doctor first looks for:

• low vitamin B12 or a thyroid disorder.
• depression, which in older people can look like dementia.
• side effects of medicines, especially sedatives, sleeping pills and anticholinergics.
• sleep problems such as sleep apnoea, and poor hearing or eyesight.
• dehydration or infection.

Sudden confusion over hours or days is not an early sign of dementia. It may be delirium, often from infection, dehydration or medicines, and it needs a medical review the same day. For the link between mood and memory, see our article on depression in older adults from ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙ.

How the doctor makes an assessment

The assessment starts with a GP, a geriatrician or a neurologist. The doctor takes a history from the person and from a family member. They run short tests of memory and attention and review the medicine list. They usually order blood tests and brain imaging. For some people they suggest neuropsychological testing or biomarkers, such as the new blood tests for Alzheimer’s.

Memory tests help, but they cannot give a final answer on their own. The diagnosis comes from the history, the examination and the tests together. Some people have mild cognitive impairment. It does not always progress to dementia, and it needs regular review. Learn more about testing in our article on the blood test for Alzheimer’s on our blog.

What families gain from an early diagnosis

An early diagnosis does not stop the disease, but it gives time and choices. Some medicines ease symptoms for a while in some patients. The newer monoclonal antibodies modestly slow Alzheimer’s, and only in the very early stages. Families can also sort out legal and financial matters while the older person can still take part in decisions.

Prevention has a place too. According to international reviews, almost half of dementia cases link to factors we can change. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, hearing loss, loneliness and physical inactivity. Find ideas for daily activity in our article on cognitive stimulation for older adults on our blog.

How to talk to an older relative about symptoms

This conversation needs calm and respect. Choose a quiet moment and talk about specific changes, without blame. You can suggest the visit as a general health check, like one for blood pressure or blood sugar. Offer to go together and take notes. The National Institute on Aging suggests writing down in advance which changes you see and since when.

At ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙ, medical follow-up and a steady activity programme support people with memory problems, with respect for their routine and dignity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?

Simple forgetfulness means small gaps that the person recalls later, without losing independence. In dementia, the problems persist, get worse and affect daily life.

When should the family see a doctor?

When memory or behaviour problems last for weeks or make daily life harder. Sudden confusion needs a medical review the same day.

Can medicines stop dementia?

No. Some medicines ease symptoms for a while in some patients. The newer antibodies modestly slow Alzheimer’s, and only in the very early stages.

How does the setting help a person with dementia?

A calm, steady setting with a daily routine reduces anxiety and confusion. Good lighting, calendars and familiar habits help with orientation.

If you notice changes in your relative, please contact us and we will guide you.