2b. Symptoms & Signs
The possibility of developing dementia is a scary thought. However, there are several signs and symptoms that you can look out for. Usually, these signs and symptoms will start slowly, and gradually get worse as the disease progresses. If you notice any signs or symptoms in yourself or a loved one, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Click or tap each box below to learn more about dementia signs and symptoms.
Memory Loss
- One of the most common signs
- Includes forgetting information to the point where it disrupts daily life
- Examples are: forgetting important dates and events, asking a question over and over again, and relying on family members for tasks that used to be handled alone
Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Loss of ability to develop or follow a plan
- Examples are: difficulty concentrating on a task, taking longer than normal to a complete a task, trouble keeping track of monthly finances
Difficulty completing tasks
- Includes daily tasks that are familiar to the person
- Examples are: trouble driving to the grocery store, organizing a to-do list, and remembering ingredients for a favorite recipe
Confusion with time and/or place
- Difficulty keeping track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time
- Examples are: continuously forgetting what day of the week it is, and the individual forgetting where they are or how they got there
Difficulty with visual images and spatial relationships
- Includes vision problems and judging distances
- Examples are: trouble reading a book, not being able to judge distances between cars while driving, or identifying the color of an object
Problems speaking or writing
- Examples are: stopping in the middle of a conversation and not knowing how to continue and trouble naming familiar objects
Misplacing items/unable to retrace steps
- Examples are: misplacing a piece of jewelry and being unable to find it and accusing someone else of stealing an item that was misplaced
Decreased or poor judgment
- Examples are: forgetting to take showers or brush teeth to stay clean and spending monthly budget on unnecessary items
Withdrawing from work or social activities
- Examples are: difficulty following a conversation with a peer, becoming uninterested in a favorite hobby or no longer attending work functions
Mood and personality changes
- The individual can become confused, anxious, suspicious, depressed, fearful, and anxious
- Examples are: becoming easily upset when at home with friends and family or going from a laid back, happy individual to someone who is fearful and anxious