15 Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’re taking care of an older loved one, you probably know how important it is to pay attention to their health, especially their memory and behavior. Dementia doesn’t show up all at once. It comes slowly and quietly, often starting with little changes that are easy to brush off.

Maybe they forget where they placed something, or they repeat a story you just heard an hour ago. You might think it’s just normal aging. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it’s more than that.

This blog will help you understand what dementia is, how to spot the early warning signs of dementia, and what steps you can take if you’re worried about someone you love. The earlier you catch it, the better the chances of getting the right support.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease. It’s a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, and the ability to do everyday tasks. It happens when brain cells are damaged and can't communicate properly.

Dementia gets worse over time. It's not just about forgetfulness because it's about changes in how a person thinks, behaves, and reacts to the world around them. It’s more than just “getting old.” While memory loss is common in aging, dementia affects the way a person lives day to day.

15 Warning Signs of Dementia

Below are 15 common signs you may notice in some older adults. If you see these in your loved one, don't ignore them. They may seem small at first, but over time, they can become serious.

1. Short-term Memory Loss

You might notice they forget things that just happened, like a recent phone call or what they ate for lunch. But they may still remember events from years ago.

2. Word Loss

They may struggle to find the right words. Conversations can become frustrating because they pause a lot, lose their train of thought, or call objects by the wrong name.

3. Difficulty Multitasking

Doing more than one thing at a time becomes confusing. For example, cooking while talking on the phone may overwhelm them.

4. Repetition

You may hear them tell the same story over and over, or ask the same question many times, even if you’ve just answered it.

5. Personality Changes

You might see mood swings or behavior that’s out of character. A gentle person might become angry or easily upset, or someone friendly might withdraw from others.

6. New Sleep Behaviors

They may stay up all night, nap during the day, or walk around at night. Sometimes they confuse day and night completely.

7. Worsening Sense of Direction

They may get lost going to familiar places or forget how they got somewhere. They might even have trouble reading maps or following directions.

8. Depression

They may lose interest in hobbies, feel hopeless, or sleep more than usual. You may see them become quiet or withdrawn.

9. Confusion About Time and Place

They might think it’s a different year or season, or they might not know where they are, even if they’re in their own home.

10. Difficulty with Visual or Perceptual Tasks

They may have trouble judging distances, telling colors apart, or recognizing faces or objects. This can make driving dangerous.

11. Financial Missteps

They may forget to pay bills, spend money on things they don’t need, or fall for phone scams. You might notice unopened mail piling up.

12. Changes in Judgment

They may wear winter clothes in the summer or trust strangers too easily. Their decisions may seem odd or risky.

13. Misplacing Things

They might lose things often, like keys, glasses, or remote controls, and not remember where they put them. Sometimes they hide items in strange places.

14. Misusing Items

They might use objects the wrong way, like trying to eat with a knife instead of a spoon, or brushing their hair with a toothbrush.

15. Hallucinations

They may see or hear things that aren't real, like hearing someone talking when no one is there, or thinking there's a person in the room.

Most Common Types of Dementia

There are different types of dementia, and each one affects the brain in different ways:

Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type. It usually starts with memory loss, followed by confusion and behavior changes.

Vascular dementia: This happens when the brain doesn’t get enough blood due to strokes or other blood flow problems. It can affect thinking, focus, and movement.

Lewy body dementia: People with this type may have hallucinations, balance problems, and alertness that changes throughout the day.

Frontotemporal disorders: These usually affect younger people and start with changes in personality, behavior, and language before memory problems appear.

What to Do if You Notice Symptoms

If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs in your loved one, don’t wait. It’s better to speak up early than to wait for things to get worse. Here’s what you can do:

• Write it down. Keep a small notebook or use your phone to track when the symptoms happen.

• Talk to them. Gently share what you’ve noticed and ask if they’ve been feeling different.

• Make an appointment. Schedule a visit with their doctor. Don’t be afraid to speak during the appointment and share what you’ve seen.

  
  

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Doctors don’t use just one test to diagnose dementia. They usually do a few things to get the full picture:

Cognitive and neurological tests: These check memory, problem-solving, balance, and coordination.

Blood tests: These rule out other problems like infections or vitamin deficiencies.

Brain scans: An MRI or CT scan can show damage or changes in the brain.

Mental health evaluations: To check if depression or anxiety is affecting their thinking.

Genetic tests: These may be done if dementia runs in the family.

Final Thoughts

Dementia is hard for the person who has it and for the people who love them. But you're not alone. Watching someone change is never easy, but noticing the signs early gives you a chance to get support, treatment, and the right kind of help.

Early care and understanding can make a real difference. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, take action. With love, patience, and knowledge, you can help your loved one live with dignity and comfort.

If you need help caring for someone with dementia, A Circle Of Love Home Care is here for you. We offer trained caregivers who understand dementia and know how to give gentle, patient, and loving support. Whether you need just a few hours a day or full-time care, we’re ready to help make life easier and safer for your loved one, and for you.

Contact us today to learn more about our dementia care services and how we can support your family. You don’t have to do this alone. Let us be part of your circle of care.