A more concerning change occurs when someone repeatedly puts objects in unusual places and cannot retrace their steps to find them.
For example, everyday objects may end up in completely inappropriate locations, while the person becomes unable to work backward through their actions to locate them.
8. Changes in Judgment
A noticeable decline in judgment can sometimes be an early warning sign.
This might involve unusual financial decisions, becoming more vulnerable to scams, neglecting personal hygiene, or making choices that are very different from the person’s normal behavior.
Again, the key is a meaningful change from their previous pattern.
9. Withdrawing From Social Activities
Someone who previously enjoyed meeting friends, participating in hobbies, following sports, or attending regular activities may gradually withdraw.
This can happen because cognitive difficulties make once-familiar activities more challenging or embarrassing.
A person may stop participating without clearly explaining why.
10. Changes in Mood or Personality
Changes in personality can sometimes be subtle.
Someone may become unusually suspicious, fearful, anxious, irritable, or easily upset in situations that previously wouldn’t have bothered them.
Significant changes in mood or behavior, particularly when combined with memory or thinking problems, deserve attention.
Not Every Memory Problem Is Dementia
This is one of the most important points.
