As people age, normal brain lapses like misplacing a phone or forgetting a name become more common. But if you’re worried about dementia, understanding the real symptoms is crucial. Dementia, primarily caused by Alzheimer’s disease, affects nearly 40% of adults 55 and over.
Dementia is not just about memory loss; it can also impact language, thinking, and behavior. Other types of dementia include Lewy body, Parkinson’s, vascular, and frontotemporal dementia. A new study estimates that 42% of people will develop dementia in their lifetimes, with 55 million worldwide.
Early signs of dementia are often unexpected and may include:
1. Vision changes: Trouble with visual images, balance, or color contrasts.
2. Nightmares: Frequent bad dreams may indicate a higher risk of developing dementia.
3. Diminished sense of smell: Loss of olfactory function can be an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Changes in behavior: Apathy, increased anxiety, and suspiciousness can be signs of dementia.
5. Disruptive memory loss: Forgetting important dates or events, repeating questions, and relying on reminders.
6. Trouble multitasking: Difficulty with daily tasks like following a plan or completing familiar recipes.
7. Poor judgment: Using poor financial judgment or making impulsive decisions.
8. Depression: A sudden onset of depression can be an early warning sign of dementia.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor to rule out other conditions and discuss ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/2025/02/01/dementia-alzheimers-early-warning-signs