What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
While dementia looks different for everyone, there are 10 common early signs and symptoms to be aware of.
We have all misplaced our keys, forgotten where we have parked our car or experienced changes in our mood or personality. But when are these changes a normal part of everyday life, and when could they be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?
10 signs and symptoms of dementia
While dementia looks different for everyone, there are 10 common early signs and symptoms to be aware of. Whether you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, knowing what to look for can make a big difference in getting an early diagnosis and connecting with support.
Dementia warning sign #1: Memory changes that affect day-to-day abilities
We all forget things sometimes — an appointment, a coworker’s name or a phone number. Usually, it comes back to us a little later. But for a person living with dementia, forgetting can happen more often, and recalling new information can become much harder.
Dementia warning sign #2: Difficulty doing familiar tasks
Busy people get distracted. We’ve all forgotten to serve part of a meal or have left a pot of rice on the stove. However, it’s different for a person living with dementia. They may have trouble completing tasks that have been familiar to them most of their lives, like forgetting the steps involved with preparing rice.
Dementia warning sign #3: Changes in language and communication
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes. But for a person living with dementia, they may forget simple words or substitute words and that can make it harder for others to understand them.
Dementia warning sign #4: Disorientation in time and place
Have you ever forgotten what day it is or walked into your bedroom and couldn’t remember why? It happens to all of us — usually just for a moment. But for a person living with dementia, it can be different. They might find themselves in a familiar room and not know how they got there.
Dementia warning sign #5: Impaired judgement
From time to time, we all make decisions we’re not proud of — like putting off seeing a doctor when we don’t feel well. But for a person living with dementia, changes in judgment or decision‑making can be more noticeable, like not recognizing a medical issue that needs attention, or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.
Dementia warning sign #6: Problems with abstract thinking
From time to time, we all struggle with tasks that take abstract thinking — like managing our finances. But for someone living with dementia, it can go further. They may have trouble understanding what numbers mean or how to use them.
Dementia warning sign #7: Misplacing things
Anyone can misplace their wallet or keys for a moment. But for someone living with dementia, things may end up in unusual places — like finding their keys in the refrigerator.
Dementia warning sign #8: Changes in mood, personality and behaviour
It’s normal for all of us to feel sad or moody sometimes, or to notice small changes in our behaviour. But for someone living with dementia, these changes can be much more drastic — and very different from what’s normal for them.
Dementia warning sign #9: Loss of initiative
It’s normal to lose interest in things like housework, work tasks or social plans, but most of us get our initiative back. However, for someone living with dementia, they may have trouble initiating an activity, almost like they’re unsure what the first step is, or appear passive or disinterested. Often a simple cue or gentle prompt is all they need to get involved again.
Dementia warning sign #10: Challenges understanding visual and spacial information
A person living with dementia may have problems with vision, depth perception and movement. They might struggle to find their way around familiar spaces or even have trouble placing items on a table. Sometimes dementia can be the cause of these issues, which is why it’s important to see a doctor and an eye specialist.
Recognizing the early warning signs of dementia
While these changes may seem small, they can affect the day-to-day lives of people living with dementia. Symptoms may also be due to other conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. It is important to see a doctor to receive a diagnosis and proper treatment.
If you are concerned that you or someone you care about has dementia, contact the FirstLink® Dementia Helpline for additional information and support.
Learn more about the types of dementia and the 10 warning signs.