Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, cognitive function, and daily life, but its early signs can often be subtle and unexpected. While most people associate dementia with severe memory loss, there are lesser-known warning signs that can appear long before a formal diagnosis. Changes in behavior, difficulty with simple tasks, or even shifts in personality could indicate underlying cognitive decline. Recognizing these early red flags can help with early intervention, potentially slowing the progression of dementia and improving quality of life.
Dr. Bing, a neurologist, recently discussed early warning signs that could be linked to dementia. According to him, personality or mood changes, difficulty with everyday tasks, poor judgement/decision-making, and loss of smell in the shower are the signs to look out for. Read on to learn more.
1. Personality or mood changes
Personality and mood changes can be early indicators of dementia because the condition affects the brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and social behavior. As dementia progresses, it can alter the way a person perceives and responds to their environment, leading to sudden mood swings, increased irritability, depression, or even apathy.
Dr. Bing reveals, "We tend to think of dementia as a memory problem, but it often affects emotions and behavior first. Someone who was always patient and easygoing might suddenly become irritable or anxious or even paranoid. They may withdraw from social activities, avoid conversations, or lose interest in hobbies they once loved, and family members might think it's depression or stress, but if these changes happen gradually and don’t improve, they could be an early warning sign of dementia."
2. Difficulty with everyday tasks
People in the early stages may struggle with tasks they once performed effortlessly, such as managing finances, cooking familiar meals, or following a routine.
Dr. Bing adds, "Everyone has moments of forgetfulness, but dementia makes familiar activities unexpectedly challenging. Maybe a person who used to be great at cooking now struggles to follow a simple recipe, or someone who always paid the bills on time starts missing payments, and even routine things like using a remote control or remembering how to get to a familiar place can become confusing. If these struggles happen repeatedly and interfere with daily life, they shouldn't be ignored."
3. Poor judgment or decision-making
People with early dementia may exhibit risky behaviors, such as giving away large sums of money to strangers, falling for scams, or neglecting personal hygiene and safety. They might also struggle with recognizing social cues, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or making impulsive purchases.
"This isn’t about forgetting something; it's about making choices that seem out of character or very risky, such as giving away large amounts of money to telemarketers or making impulsive, unnecessary purchases. They may also dress inappropriately for the weather, forget basic hygiene, skip showers, or wear the same clothes for days without realizing it," he says.
4. Loss Of Smell In The Shower
Loss of smell in the shower could be an early warning sign of dementia, as the brain regions responsible for processing scents are among the first to be affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, often damages the olfactory bulb and associated areas in the brain, leading to a reduced ability to detect smells like soap, shampoo, or body wash. Studies suggest that a declining sense of smell can occur years before noticeable memory loss, making it a potential early indicator of cognitive decline.
