Mood swings
Sudden changes in their mood are also very common in patients with dementia. If you suspect you might have this condition, then it’s definitely not easy to see this in yourself, but you might notice it easier in someone else.
Depression, for example, is common in the early stages of dementia. Someone who suffers from dementia might seem fearful or even way more anxious than they were before. Everything could upset them easily, especially if their daily routine is changed or if they find themselves in unfamiliar situations.
Besides mood changes, you might also notice that there’s a shift in their personality. One typical type of personality change caused by dementia is a shift from being shy or even quiet to being extremely outgoing.
Apathy
Apathy, also known as listlessness, is a very common sign of early cognitive decline. Someone who suffers from dementia might lose interest in the usual hobbies or activities, that they used to do before. They might not even want to go out or enjoy themselves anymore. Plus, they might lose all interest in spending time with their friends and family, and they might occur to be emotionally flat.
14 thoughts on “11 Early Symptoms of Dementia You Should Know”
Excellent! Very helpful information.
Informative but actually kind of scary.
i liked your article. not there yet, but it never hurts to be aware of the signs!! thanks!! maddog!
This was informative and I think I have most of the symptoms!
Ive been reading the Unbreakable Brain by Dr. Will Mitchell. He has studied the cognitive decline and how to protect it in these difficult times and aging issues. It is a wonderful proof that diet and exercise etc. can turn this decline around and people can augment significant changes in their deteriorating stages!
Very informative. Both my Father & Father-in-law had this. This list is what I have experienced within the last 6-9 months.
I’m 82 and starting to have this symptoms, is rather sad.
My Mom has dementia, one of her closest friends is also exhibiting signs of dementia, I have noticed that I’m also having signs myself, I often can’t find words to complete a statement or conversation, I sometimes leave one room to go do/get something but once I leave the room I forgot what I was going to do, I usually remember after a little while. This is very unsettling, thanks for the article. I am now concerned about what I can do to head this off. I think that your next topic for consideration is “how to head off dementia”.
Some of these things happen due to age or stress. I have read if you eventually do remember then you are ok
I just lost a sister inlaw to this awful disease. Maybe thats not the appropriate title; but she went down hill quite rapidly after the loss of her husband. She never fully understood that he was gone, and she went between her daughters care to her sons. It’s very sad what this can do to an individual. My prayers are with each and every one of you! Keep your head up and let’s fight for a cure for all these sad, sickening diseases. Together we’ll all make a difference!!
God bless,
Sherri
The list is a real mashup of conditions- some I have experienced for years (I am now 80) and some seem to anticipate a future condition. None seem unambiguously ‘on’ or ‘off’ Do you have any gradations or degrees of exposure?
How can you tell dementia from peri-menopause, postmenopause or menopause?
They share similar symptoms.
Hello Sherri,
I there a way to get some type of copy or transcript of this article. It is very well presented.
John
I have about half of the symptoms on the list. Scary!