Signs, Stages & Diagnosis

Early signs, types of dementia, and what each stage looks like.

Before memory loss or confusion, many families notice something else first: financial changes. Missed bills, unusual purchases, falling for scams. Research now shows these can be early warning signs of dementia, appearing years before a diagnosis. Dr. Natali explains why the brain struggles with money first and what you can do about it.
Why does dementia look so different from one family to the next? This article breaks down what the 2025 NIH research finally helps explain about dementia risk, brain changes, and caregiving experiences, and why unpredictability is not a failure but part of the disease itself.
Many early signs of dementia do not look like memory loss. In this article, Dr. Natali Edmonds shares real caregiver experiences and the subtle changes families often wish they had not ignored, along with guidance on what to do if something feels off.
Subtle facial changes like fewer smiles or slower emotional reactions can be confusing for caregivers. Emerging research suggests dementia may impact facial expression earlier than we once thought. Learn what these changes mean, what they do not mean, and how to interpret them with clarity and compassion.
Dementia changes far more than memory. It affects how a person sees, hears, tastes, touches, and smells the world around them. This guide explains how each sense can shift, what signs to look for, and how you can support your loved one with confidence and compassion.
Are you confused about which stage of dementia your loved one is in, or why the answers keep changing? Learn why dementia doesn’t follow a simple path, what shifting stages can look like, and what to expect as you support your loved one through each change.
Getting a dementia diagnosis isn’t straightforward. Learn why the process is often delayed, what tests are involved, and how to advocate for your loved one with confidence.

Could Your Loved One Have More Than One Type of Dementia? Many caregivers assume that when their loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it means they have one specific type. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if their symptoms are caused by more than one form of dementia at the same time? […]

Ever wondered what the most common types of dementia are? Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia can help caregivers provide better support. Learn the key symptoms, risk factors, and what to expect as dementia progresses.
Could losing your sense of smell be an early sign of dementia? Research suggests that smell loss can indicate cognitive decline years before memory issues appear. Learn how smell is linked to brain health, what causes this change, and the steps you should take if you notice it in a loved one.

What is Unexplained Generosity? Careblazer, did you know that a sudden urge to give away money might actually be an early sign of dementia? What may seem like generosity can, in reality, put your loved one’s finances—and yours—at risk. If you’ve noticed unusual donation patterns, excessive giving, or impulsive financial decisions, it might be time […]

Wondering how Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) impacts brain health? Dive into this detailed guide on symptoms, prevention strategies, and its connection to dementia. Learn how repeated head injuries affect cognitive function and overall quality of life.

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