Early Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore

Aging comes with its fair share of quirks—misplaced glasses, forgotten appointments, and those “What did I come in here for?” moments. Most slip-ups are just the side effects of a long, well-lived life. But sometimes, memory hiccups or personality shifts ring louder alarm bells. So, how do you know if you’re seeing normal aging…or early signs of dementia?

At Always Best Care of Asheville, we see firsthand how catching these red flags early keeps seniors safe, engaged, and independent longer. Let’s cut through the confusion so your loved one gets the support they deserve.

What you will learn:

• How to distinguish between normal age-related forgetfulness and the early signs of dementia.
• The most common early symptoms of dementia.
• The importance of early detection for accessing treatments, resources, and support that help maintain independence and quality of life.
• How compassionate in-home care can support families by providing expert assistance, companionship, and peace of mind.

Normal Aging or Early Dementia? Here’s How to Tell

Growing older often brings subtle changes in recall—slower thinking, occasional forgetfulness—but most folks bounce back without missing a beat. Here’s what normal looks like:

• Occasional trouble recalling words, but eventually remembering.
• Sometimes they forget why they entered a room.
• Still handling daily responsibilities on their own.

On the flip side, dementia is more than just memory loss—it chips away at reasoning skills and independence over time. Recognizing when someone’s moved beyond typical aging isn’t always easy, but it can make all the difference.

Seven Early Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Overlook

We’ve all had “senior moments,” but when should you pay closer attention? Keep an eye out for these telltale clues:

1. Frequent Memory Loss That Affects Everyday Life: Forgetting important dates? Relying on reminder notes—or family members—for basics that used to be second nature might be an early warning sign.
   
2. Trouble Finishing Familiar Chores: If cooking go-to recipes turns into chaos or paying monthly bills feels impossible, something bigger could be going on.
   
3. Problems Finding Words or Following Conversations: Getting stuck mid-sentence or repeating themselves a lot, beyond occasional word-finding trouble, is another clue that something’s amiss.
   
4. Lapses in Judgment: From giving money away to strangers on the phone to poor personal hygiene or wild wardrobe choices in cold weather, bad decisions like these should raise eyebrows.
   
5. Confusion About Time or Place: Not knowing what day it is (or getting lost coming home from somewhere familiar) isn’t par for the course as we age—it deserves attention.
   
6. Mood Swings and Personality Changes: Someone upbeat becoming withdrawn, or an easygoing parent suddenly snapping at family…dementia often brings unexplained emotional shifts.
   
7. Misplacing Items (And Unable To Retrace Steps): Everyone loses their keys once in a while, but putting them in bizarre spots (think freezer) then being unable to retrace steps is more concerning than simple forgetfulness.

Why Noticing These Signs Matters

Here’s why being proactive pays off big:

• Opens doors for treatment that slows progression.
• Empowers families with resources before crisis strikes.
• It lets your loved one stay independent as long as possible.

How In-Home Support Makes Life Easier

Taking care of someone showing these signs isn’t easy; stress piles up fast when you’re juggling work and other responsibilities, too! At Always Best Care of Asheville, our compassionate caregivers:

• Spot subtle behavioral changes quickly,
• Help with everyday tasks like meals & medications.
• Offer companionship—and give tired families some breathing room.

FAQ

Q: How do I distinguish between “normal” forgetting and real warning signs?

A: Normal aging may slow down recall, but doesn’t stop someone from managing their life; consistent confusion disrupting daily activities suggests something else might be going on.

Q: Can mood swings really signal dementia this early?

A: Absolutely! Unexplained anxiety, withdrawal from favorite pastimes—or even sudden bursts of anger—all point toward possible cognitive changes needing attention.

Q: My parent keeps losing things—is this enough reason to worry?

A: It depends on where those lost items turn up! Misplacing things occasionally isn’t worrisome…but stashing remote controls in odd places regularly could mean it’s time for evaluation.

Schedule Your Free Care Consultation With Always Best Care of Asheville!

If you’re concerned about memory changes in someone you care about, don’t wait to take action. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville at (828) 676-2939 for a care consultation. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs. Early support matters—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.