4. Misplacing Things Constantly
We all lose our keys sometimes. But with dementia, it’s different—you might put objects in illogical places, like leaving your phone in the refrigerator or remote in the washing machine.
When these incidents happen often and you can’t retrace your steps, it’s not just forgetfulness—it may be an early sign of brain change.
5. Changes in Judgment
You might begin making unusual decisions—like giving away money impulsively or falling for scams you once recognized.
This often stems from impaired reasoning, especially in the prefrontal cortex, where judgment and logic reside.
6. Mood Swings or Apathy
People who once were lively and social may withdraw or lose interest in hobbies. They might appear depressed or emotionless.
This is because dementia affects not just memory but emotional regulation. One day you’re calm; the next, uncharacteristically irritable or anxious.
7. Difficulty Navigating Familiar Places
Getting lost while driving or walking in familiar areas can be an alarming early warning. The brain regions responsible for spatial memory start to falter, making orientation harder.
If you or someone you love begins to rely heavily on GPS for local trips, take note.
8. Repeating the Same Questions
This can be one of the most telling early symptoms. You ask something, receive an answer, and within minutes ask the same question again—without realizing you just did.
This repetition often starts subtly and increases over time.
9. Difficulty Recognizing Humor or Sarcasm
You might misinterpret jokes, tone, or social cues. What once made you laugh now feels confusing or even upsetting.
This sign is often overlooked but is tied to early changes in the brain’s emotional and social interpretation centers.
13 Classic Symptoms of Dementia Everyone Should Know
Once dementia progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable and affect daily life.
1. Persistent Memory Loss
You forget recent events, conversations, or names—even those of close family members.
2. Confusion About Time or Place
People may forget the year, season, or where they are. They might think they’re in a different decade or city altogether.
3. Struggling With Words and Language
They can’t find the right words, confuse names, or use vague phrases like “that thing” instead of the actual word.
4. Poor Concentration
Even short tasks like reading a recipe or watching a show become difficult to focus on.
5. Decline in Hygiene and Self-Care
Bathing, brushing teeth, or changing clothes might no longer feel important—or simply be forgotten.
6. Changes in Appetite
They might overeat, forget to eat, or prefer only specific foods. Taste and smell perception often change as the brain alters.
7. Personality Changes
Someone mild-mannered might suddenly become aggressive or paranoid. Loved ones often describe it as, “They just don’t seem like themselves anymore.”
8. Repetitive Behavior
Pacing, repeating stories, or performing the same actions over and over can become common.
9. Difficulty Understanding Visual Information
They may struggle with reading, judging distances, or recognizing faces—even in good light.
10. Restlessness or Wandering
At night, people with dementia may pace or leave the house without realizing where they’re going.
11. Inappropriate Social Behavior
They might say or do things that seem rude or out of character, not realizing the impact.
12. Hallucinations or Delusions
In later stages, some may see or hear things that aren’t real, or believe loved ones are impostors.
13. Complete Dependence on Others
Eventually, they may need full-time assistance with basic tasks—eating, dressing, or even recognizing family members.
