Subtle changes in judgment and decision-making

One of the most overlooked early signs of dementia is a change in judgment.

This may appear in some subtle situations, such as:

• poor financial decisions
• impulsive purchases
• falling for scams
• neglecting basic safety precautions.

For example, a once-cautious person may suddenly give out personal information or mishandle bills. Families often attribute this to distraction or stress, but repeated lapses can signal early cognitive decline.

Difficulty finding the right words

Occasional word-finding problems are normal.

However, early dementia may involve more frequent struggles to express ideas clearly, substituting vague terms (“that thing”) or abandoning sentences altogether.

Unlike normal aging, these language changes persist and gradually worsen. Conversations may become shorter, less detailed, or frustrating for the person affected, and so they may often lead to social withdrawal.

Withdrawal from social activities

A quiet but significant early sign is reduced social engagement.

People in the early stages of dementia may stop attending gatherings, avoid phone calls, or lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.

This withdrawal is not always due to depression. Often, it reflects growing discomfort with conversations, memory lapses, or difficulty following group interactions. Families may misinterpret this as introversion or fatigue.

Subtle changes in mood or personality

Early dementia can bring changes in mood, emotional reactions, or personality traits.

A previously calm person may become irritable, anxious, suspicious, or unusually apathetic. These shifts may occur before noticeable memory problems.

Because personality changes can have many causes, families often overlook their cognitive significance, especially when changes happen slowly.

Difficulty managing familiar tasks

Early dementia may affect the ability to handle complex or multi-step tasks, even when they were once routine.

This might include trouble following a recipe, managing medications, or organizing a familiar activity. The person may still perform basic daily tasks independently, which makes these changes harder to notice.

Subtle inefficiencies, mistakes, or avoidance behaviors are often early clues.

Problems with attention and concentration

Another frequently missed sign is difficulty maintaining attention.

Individuals may struggle to follow a TV show, lose track of conversations, or become overwhelmed by environments with multiple stimuli.

Unlike simple forgetfulness, attention problems interfere with comprehension and engagement, sometimes leading others to assume the person is “not listening” rather than experiencing cognitive strain.

Changes in sense of time or orientation

Early dementia can affect time perception.

People may become confused about dates, seasons, or schedules, even if they still recognize familiar places and faces.

Families often dismiss these moments as harmless confusion, but repeated disorientation, mainly when paired with other subtle changes, deserves professional evaluation.

Why early recognition matters

Identifying early signs of dementia does not mean jumping to conclusions or self-diagnosing. It means observing patterns, documenting changes, and seeking medical advice when concerns persist.

In other words, early evaluation can help:

• Rule out reversible conditions (such as vitamin deficiencies or medication effects)
• Initiate supportive strategies sooner
• Improve long-term planning and quality of life
• Reduce caregiver stress through preparation and education

Conclusion

The “million-dollar question” then is: “When to seek professional advice?”

If subtle cognitive, behavioral, or functional changes persist for months or gradually worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Everybody knows (at least the most responsible) that a primary care physician, neurologist, or memory clinic can guide appropriate assessments. Simple as that...

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References & further reading

• Alzheimer’s Association – Early Signs and Symptoms (https://www.alz.org)
• National Institute on Aging – What Are the Signs of Dementia? (https://www.nia.nih.gov)
• World Health Organization – Dementia Overview (https://www.who.int)
• MCI and Beyond: Does Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Lead to Dementia?

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