Early Warning Signs of Dementia Families Often Miss at First (Beyond Memory Loss)
A while back, I asked caregivers on social media a question that stopped a lot of people in their tracks:
“What’s an early warning sign of dementia you wish you or your family hadn’t ignored?”
The responses poured in.
Caregivers shared moments that, at the time, did not feel like dementia. They felt small. Explainable. Easy to dismiss. But looking back, those moments now stand out clearly as the first signs that something deeper was changing.
If you are currently wondering whether what you are seeing in your loved one is normal aging or something more, this is for you. And if you already know your loved one has dementia, this may feel like a reflection of your own story.
Before we go any further, I want to say this clearly: do not feel bad for missing early warning signs. Almost everyone does. No one walks around expecting dementia. We explain changes away because that feels more reasonable at the time.
What follows are real examples caregivers shared with me. Not textbook symptoms, but real life moments.
Early Dementia Often Shows Up in Daily Life, Not Memory First
When people think about early dementia, they usually think about memory loss.
But when I looked through caregiver responses, memory was rarely the first thing mentioned.
Instead, caregivers described changes in daily routines, habits, interests, judgment, and personality.
These were the signs they now wish they had paid closer attention to.
Changes in Cooking and Familiar Tasks
One caregiver shared that their loved one could no longer bake or cook the way they always had. Food started tasting off. Recipes they had made for decades suddenly did not turn out right.
Another said their loved one began messing up recipes they could have made in their sleep.
At the time, many caregivers assumed distraction or loss of interest. Looking back, they realized these changes reflected difficulty sequencing steps and managing familiar tasks, which can be an early sign of dementia.
Repeating Stories or Questions
Several caregivers shared that their loved one began repeating the same stories over and over.
One caregiver said, “I thought she just liked telling certain stories.”
Repetition becomes more concerning when it happens within short time frames and without awareness that it has already been shared. This often reflects early changes in short-term memory and processing.
Buying Duplicate Items and Forgetting Purchases
Many caregivers noticed their loved one buying the same items repeatedly.
Groceries piled up unused. The refrigerator filled with food that went bad. Closets held duplicates of items already owned.
At first, this can look like forgetfulness or poor organization. Over time, it may signal difficulty tracking recent actions and decisions, which is common in early dementia.
Putting Items in the Wrong Place
Milk in the cupboard. Bills hidden in drawers. Keys in the freezer.
Caregivers shared many examples of loved ones putting everyday items in illogical places.
Often, these moments are brushed off or laughed about. But when they happen consistently, they can reflect changes in spatial awareness and executive function.
Personality and Emotional Changes as Early Dementia Signs
Loss of Interest in Things They Once Loved
One caregiver shared that their dad, a devoted gardener, suddenly stopped caring for his roses, which had always been his pride and joy.
Others noticed loved ones losing interest in hobbies, creativity, or social engagement.
This narrowing of interests and motivation is a common early dementia sign and is often mistaken for depression or aging.
Increased Paranoia or Suspicion
Several caregivers shared early experiences with paranoia or accusations of stealing.
Loved ones would misplace items and become convinced someone else had taken them. These accusations often felt out of character and deeply upsetting.
Early dementia can impact how the brain interprets information, leading to suspicion and fear when memory gaps appear.
Emotional Flatness or Reduced Expression
Some caregivers noticed their loved one seemed emotionally flat or distant.
They were physically present but less expressive or engaged. Families often assumed hearing problems, fatigue, or mood changes.
In reality, dementia can affect how emotions are processed and expressed long before memory loss becomes obvious.
Subtle Communication Changes
Frequently Saying “What” Without Hearing Loss
Multiple caregivers shared that their loved one responded with “what” to nearly everything.
At first, families assumed hearing issues. Later, they realized the problem was not hearing but comprehension. Their loved one needed more time to process information.
Seeming Distracted During Conversations
Others noticed their loved one appeared distracted during phone calls or conversations.
Caregivers asked if they were watching TV or multitasking, only to later recognize declining attention and focus as early cognitive changes.
Changes in Judgment and Decision Making
Financial Confusion
Caregivers frequently mentioned confusion around finances.
One shared that their grandfather began hiding bills for safekeeping. Another found bills scattered throughout the house in random drawers.
These behaviors often reflect impaired judgment and organization rather than intentional avoidance.
Falling for Scams
Several caregivers reported that their loved one fell for scams.
This can feel shocking and completely out of character. Dementia can reduce the brain’s ability to detect risk, deception, and manipulation.
Risky or Inappropriate Behavior
Some caregivers noticed inappropriate or impulsive behavior that had never occurred before.
Loss of social boundaries, poor judgment, or risky decisions can be early signs of frontal lobe involvement in dementia.
Changes in Daily Routines
Becoming Rigid or Narrow in Habits
Many caregivers described their loved one’s world becoming smaller.
They ate the same foods, shopped at the same places, and avoided anything new.
This rigidity can feel comforting to the person but often signals difficulty adapting to change.
Neglecting Hygiene
A decline in personal hygiene was another early sign caregivers recognized only in hindsight.
Loved ones who once took pride in grooming suddenly stopped caring. This can reflect changes in motivation, awareness, and executive function.
Driving and Navigation Changes
Caregivers frequently mentioned getting lost on familiar routes or becoming a worse driver.
These changes are often explained away as distraction or aging but should be taken seriously when they happen repeatedly.
Why Catching Dementia Earlier Can Still Matter
Some caregivers shared that they felt catching dementia earlier would not have changed anything.
While it is true that we do not yet have a cure, earlier awareness can still make a meaningful difference.
Early identification can help with:
Better symptom management
Earlier education and support
Safety planning
Legal and financial preparation
Access to services and clinical trials
Improved quality of life for both caregiver and loved one
Just because dementia is not curable does not mean information is useless.
Encouraging a Medical Evaluation Without Fear
If something feels off, encourage a routine checkup rather than leading with dementia.
Many medical conditions can mimic dementia, including:
Depression
Hearing loss
Thyroid issues
Vitamin deficiencies
Medication side effects
Ruling these out is important and sometimes leads to improvement.
A Gentle Reminder for Careblazers
If you missed early warning signs, you are not alone.
Most caregivers do.
You responded with the information you had at the time, and that matters.
This journey is hard enough without self-blame.
Stay Supported as Dementia Changes Over Time
If reading these early warning signs feels familiar or unsettling, you do not have to navigate this alone.
If you are caring for someone with dementia and want clear guidance, practical strategies, and support from people who truly understand this journey, the Care Collective was created for families like yours.
Learn more by clicking here.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Leave a comment below → What’s an early warning sign of dementia that you wish you or your loved one hadn’t ignored?
Your experience may help another caregiver feel less alone.
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