Early Signs of Dementia: A Practical Checklist

Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be difficult, especially when symptoms are subtle or brushed off as “normal aging.” But spotting these changes early - and acting on them - can make a real difference in planning support, accessing treatment, and maintaining independence for as long as possible.

Dementia isn’t a single disease - it’s an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but others include Lewy Body Dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

If you’re concerned about a loved one - or even yourself - this practical checklist can help guide your next steps.

✅ Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Frequently forgetting recent conversations or events
Repeating questions or stories in the same day
Relying increasingly on notes, reminders, or others to remember things

It’s normal to forget an appointment occasionally - but forgetting it happened altogether may be a red flag.

👉 Related reading: What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

✅ Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

Trouble following a recipe or managing finances
Difficulty concentrating on tasks that used to be easy
Taking longer to complete everyday activities

This may also show up in trouble following familiar routines - like paying bills or taking medication on time.

✅ Trouble Understanding Time or Place

Getting confused about dates or seasons
Losing track of where they are or how they got there
Misunderstanding time passing

Someone might think it’s morning in the evening, or become disoriented in a familiar location.

👉 The Alzheimer's Association 10 Early Signs of Dementia is a helpful resource

✅ Problems with Language

Struggling to find the right word
Replacing familiar words with unusual ones
Pausing mid-sentence or getting lost in conversation

If someone frequently calls everyday objects by the wrong name (“that food thing” instead of “microwave”), this may be more than normal aging.

✅ Misplacing Items or Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

Putting things in strange places (e.g., keys in the fridge)
Accusing others of stealing when they can’t find something
Becoming frustrated when unable to locate familiar items

Occasional forgetfulness is common - but being unable to retrace steps to find something is often a warning sign.

✅ Changes in Judgment or Decision-Making

Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather
Falling for scams or telemarketing schemes
Making unusual purchases or giving away money

Changes in how someone manages finances, hygiene, or social decisions can point to cognitive decline.

Losing interest in favorite pastimes or social events
Avoiding friends or family
Sleeping more than usual or seeming disengaged

Apathy and withdrawal may resemble depression but can also signal early dementia - especially when paired with other symptoms.

✅ Mood and Personality Changes

Becoming confused, suspicious, anxious, or fearful
Becoming unusually irritable or easily upset
Changes in tone, demeanor, or emotional response

Sudden shifts in personality or emotional regulation are often reported by close family members first.

✅ Trouble with Visual or Spatial Awareness

Difficulty reading
Problems judging distance or color contrast
Trouble recognizing faces or navigating familiar spaces

This is especially common in Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia, where vision-related processing can be impaired.

👉 Check out our article on How Video Message Apps Support Dementia Care

When to Seek Help

If one or more of these signs appear regularly - or worsen over time - it’s important to seek medical advice. Early assessment can:

Rule out other causes (like stress, sleep problems, or vitamin deficiencies)
Provide access to cognitive tests and brain scans
Offer early interventions and support options
Allow time for planning and decision-making

You can start with a GP or reach out to a neurologist or memory specialist for further evaluation.

👉 The Mayo Clinic has an excellent resource on Memory Loss: When to Seek Help

Catching dementia early doesn’t mean jumping to conclusions - it means paying attention with care and curiosity. This checklist can guide open, honest conversations and help families take proactive steps while support options are still broad.

The sooner you notice, the sooner you can act. And when it comes to dementia, early connection, planning, and support make all the difference.