Dementia isn’t just “normal aging”—it’s a progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and daily life. While occasional forgetfulness is common, persistent, worsening changes may signal early dementia—especially if they interfere with work, relationships, or independence.
Here are 10 early warning signs recognized by neurologists and the Alzheimer’s Association. If you or a loved one experiences several of these consistently over weeks or months, consult a doctor for evaluation.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
- Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Increasing reliance on memory aids (notes, family members) for things once handled easily
Normal aging: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments—but remembering them later.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
- Trouble following familiar recipes, managing bills, or concentrating
- Taking much longer to do tasks that were once routine
- Struggling with numbers or step-by-step processes
3. Confusion with Time or Place
