What Are The Four Warning Signs Of Dementia?

There are various forms of dementia impacting millions of adults worldwide each year. Although warning signs for dementia can differ depending on the type diagnosed, there are four common signs people can look out for in themselves and others. When you notice these signs, it may be a sign to talk to your doctor about a dementia screening. 

Are you or a loved one living with dementia?

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What is dementia?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 55 million people worldwide are experiencing dementia, with 10 million new cases developing each year. Given this significant yearly increase in cases, it may be beneficial to look for the signs that could indicate a person is developing dementia. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that one may experience when living with a specific category of diseases. The diseases categorized as a type of dementia may include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia with Lewy bodies
• Vascular dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Parkinson’s disease 

Effects of brain damage on memory loss

Many forms of dementia can cause damage to brain cells. This brain cell damage may interfere with intercell communication, which may impact how a person thinks, behaves, or feels. Depending on the damaged brain region, various functions (such as memory, judgment, and movement) may be affected. This impact may influence what symptoms an individual experiences. 

Symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

The symptoms of dementia can vary based on what condition a person is experiencing. 

Alzheimer’s disease 

For those living with Alzheimer’s, symptoms may include:

• Memory difficulties
• Confusion in certain environments
• Difficulty with organization and planning
• Repeating questions
• Difficulty understanding numbers or transactions
• Social withdrawal 

Vascular dementia 

Vascular dementia can often present with many of the same symptoms as Alzheimer’s disease. However, those experiencing vascular dementia may also have additional symptoms, such as difficulties with movement, muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, changes in mood, and difficulty with attention and reasoning. 

Dementia with Lewy bodies 

Like vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies can present with many of the same symptoms as Alzheimer’s disease. However, individuals living with this type of dementia may also experience:

• Alternating phases of alertness and drowsiness
• Varying levels of confusion
• Slower physical movements
• Fainting or falls 
• Sleep disturbances
• Visual hallucinations 

Frontotemporal dementia 

Frontotemporal dementia—a form of dementia that may impact a younger demographic—can often be noticed by its earlier symptoms. These symptoms may include changes in personality, reduced social awareness, difficulties with language, and a tendency to obsess about specific subjects. 

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing dementia, seek a medical professional. These individuals may provide an early diagnosis and treatment plan. While the way that dementia symptoms manifest can vary depending on the type, it may be possible to notice that you or a loved one is developing one of these conditions before symptoms become moderate to severe.

Four warning signs of dementia or memory loss

While each case is unique and can progress at different rates, there may be warning signs that indicate a person is developing dementia. These signs may relate to different cognitive faculties, whether a person can function in specific situations, and how they react to certain stimuli, including but not limited to the following. 

Sign #1: Disruptive memory loss

A common sign of some forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, is disruptive memory loss. Individuals experiencing dementia may have difficulty remembering appointments, notable events and dates, everyday tasks, and the placement of specific items. Some may struggle to locate familiar areas or complete familiar tasks, even if they have been to those locations or completed those tasks hundreds or thousands of times. These memory difficulties are more than forgetting the right word or having a tendency to occasionally forget appointments. Instead, it can be more severe challenges like being prone to forget simple words or being unable to recall one’s name. 

In addition to recalling older memories, it may be difficult for individuals with dementia to create new memories. For example, a person with early symptoms of dementia may be asked what they want to eat for lunch and give an answer, only to be confused and lose interest when their food arrives due to memory problems. Individuals with dementia may also struggle to retrieve memories (or not be able to retrieve them at all), including those that may seem like “common knowledge” to others. For example, one might forget the names of grandchildren until being prompted in a specific way. 

Sign #2: Difficulty communicating

Another sign that a person may be experiencing dementia is increasing difficulty with communication.

Individuals experiencing dementia may also struggle with other forms of communication, such as reading and writing. These struggles can make it difficult for a person with dementia to express themselves, which can make it more challenging for them to seek treatment and for a provider to diagnose dementia or dementia-like symptoms. 

While the reasons that dementia can impact communication can vary, research suggests that these difficulties may be related to nerve cell failure. Researchers found that while verbal expression, repetition, understanding, reading, and writing are often impacted, phonology and syntax may remain intact during the initial stages of dementia. In addition, researchers recommended that it may be helpful for caregivers, family, and friends to adapt how they communicate to avoid negative feelings or stress in the individual with dementia. 

Sign #3: Increasing levels of confusion and memory problems

While confusion can be mild and subtle, it may still manifest in the earlier stages of dementia. One common area of confusion concerns the passage of time. An individual with dementia may not understand what day of the week it is, whether it is summer or winter, or how long they have been in a specific place. As dementia progresses, a person may forget how they got to a place or where they are. 

Individuals can also experience confusion during delirium, a mental state often seen in those showing early signs of dementia. Delirium can come on suddenly and last several days and involve other symptoms such as drowsiness, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and sudden mood changes. Because delirium can cause a heightened level of confusion, it may also lead to increased distress and may require specialized forms of treatment. 

Sign #4: Social withdrawal

Due to the way dementia may affect a person’s ability to communicate, as well as the overstimulation that social situations can present, those with dementia may have the desire to avoid other people. Social withdrawal behavior may involve stopping previously enjoyable activities or neglecting to attend events with friends and loved ones. As time goes on, this isolation may increase and exacerbate other dementia symptoms. 

Different types of dementia can lead to varying levels of social withdrawal. For example, research suggests that patients with vascular dementia may be isolated due to functional disabilities and negative symptoms. However, the amount a person withdraws may also depend on whether their dementia is being treated. 

How is dementia and other types of memory problems treated? 

According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), several forms of treatment may be effective for individuals with dementia, including various types of medication and therapy. 

Medications to manage the health symptoms of dementia 

The NHS lists several medication options that may help a person with dementia get early treatment, many of which are used to help those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is no cure for dementia, and medications are often used to prevent fast symptom progression or to ease symptoms in the moment. 

These medications may include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, a form of medication that can help nerve cells communicate with one another. Some types of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors include:

Types of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to combat the warning signs of dementia

• Donepezil
• Galantamine
• Rivastigmine

Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are often used to help those with mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's. While these medications may be similar, some have specific applications; for example, rivastigmine may be preferable for those who are experiencing hallucinations. 

Medication for severe forms of dementia

Severe forms of certain types of dementia (including dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, and a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia) may respond to other medications, such as memantine. 

Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis.

Is there therapy for dementia?

While various therapeutic approaches may help individuals experiencing dementia manage mental health challenges, the NHS recommends the use of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). According to the Saint Louis School of Medicine, CST is an evidence-based treatment for individuals who are living with mild to moderate dementia. 

CST sessions often take place in a group setting, which may combat the social withdrawal and isolation common with dementia. These sessions may follow a theme and provide different activities led by a trained healthcare professional. While the type of healthcare provider can vary, these professionals may include occupational therapists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, and registered nurses. 

Are you or a loved one living with dementia?

Talk with a compassionate counselor

Support options for dementia and other mental health conditions

CST and other forms of therapy may alleviate some dementia symptoms and support other physical and mental health conditions. However, in-person therapy may not be available to everyone. Some may lack health insurance or transportation that would allow them to attend face-to-face sessions. Others may want to attend therapy from a place they are more comfortable with, such as their own home. In these situations, it may be beneficial to try other therapeutic options, such as online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. 

Through an online platform, clients can meet with a therapist from home or any location with an internet connection via phone, video, or live chat. In addition, online platforms offer resources like support groups, worksheets, and journaling prompts. Both individuals with early symptoms of dementia and caregivers of those with dementia may find these resources beneficial, and online therapy has been found to be as effective, if not more effective, than in-person counseling.