Brain changes wreck the internal clock long before memory fails.
Red flags:
Sundowning (agitation in late afternoon/evening)
Day-night reversal
Wandering at night
Acting out dreams (punching, kicking in sleep)
Poor sleep accelerates brain plaque buildup — creating a vicious cycle.
8. Withdrawal from Hobbies & Social Life
(The book club regular who suddenly “just isn’t up for it”)
Loss of interest isn’t laziness — it’s the brain quietly retreating.
Common pattern:
Quitting golf, cards, or church events
Avoiding friends because “I might say something stupid”
No longer enjoying grandchildren’s visits
Social isolation doubles dementia progression speed.
Dementia care products
7. Mood & Personality Shifts
(The sweetest person you know turns suspicious or angry)
Brain changes hit emotion centers early.
Watch for:
New paranoia (“Someone is stealing from me”)
Sudden apathy about everything
Inappropriate outbursts or crying spells
Loss of empathy
Depression in older adults can be the first sign of dementia — not the other way around.
