What Are the Subtle Behavior Changes Before Dementia Sets In

You may notice subtle behavior changes before dementia begins. Individuals might forget things that just happened, experience mood swings, or lose interest in their hobbies.

These signs can appear gradually, and you might not recognize them or may attribute them to the natural aging process. Many people overlook these early signs.

Research indicates that it can take more than three years to receive a diagnosis, as families and doctors often perceive these subtle behavior changes as normal aging. If you observe these changes in yourself or someone you know, it’s crucial to pay attention.

Not every change signifies dementia, but being vigilant for these signs can assist you in making informed decisions.

• Forgetting things, mood changes, and diminished interest in activities or friends are common early signs.
• It typically takes about 3.5 years from the first signs to obtain a diagnosis, as people frequently believe these changes are merely part of getting older.

Key Takeaways

• Look for early signs of dementia. These include forgetting things that just happened, mood changes, and not caring about hobbies.
• It may take more than three years to get a dementia diagnosis. Small changes are often seen as normal aging.
• Changes in motivation and patience can show early dementia. People may stop enjoying activities or get upset easily.
• Mood changes are common before dementia shows. People may feel more anxious or get angry for no clear reason.
• Pulling away from friends and not caring about hobbies can mean cognitive decline.
• Language and communication problems may happen early in dementia. People may have trouble finding words or following talks.
• Making poor choices in daily tasks can be an early sign. This includes money mistakes or quick decisions.
• Writing down behavior changes can help you talk to doctors.

Subtle Behavior Changes Before Dementia

You might see small behavior changes before dementia starts. These changes usually happen slowly. It can be hard to notice them at first. You may spot differences in motivation, patience, humor, or mood. Seeing these early signs can help you act sooner.

Changes in Motivation and Patience

Reduced Initiative

You or someone you know may lose interest in fun activities. People sometimes stop doing hobbies or skip social events. This can happen even if their body feels fine.

Studies say changes in motivation, like feeling tired or having low energy, can show up before memory problems. Staying motivated helps protect your brain. People who keep busy and active have a lower risk of cognitive decline. If you see less motivation, it could be an early sign of dementia.

Easily Frustrated

You might get impatient or frustrated with easy tasks. Small problems can feel too hard. Research shows patience can drop as brain health changes. You may find it tough to wait or finish tasks that need focus. This change in patience can be an early sign in the brain.

If you or someone you know gives up on tasks fast or avoids new things, pay attention. These changes could be early signs of dementia.

Shifts in Humor and Personality

Unusual Jokes or Reactions

You may notice your sense of humor changes. Jokes you liked before may not seem funny now. Sometimes, people make odd jokes or laugh at things others do not. These changes can confuse friends and family. They often show up as subtle behavior changes before dementia.

Personality Changes

Your personality might change in ways that surprise you. You could get more irritable, quiet, or less caring. Experts call these changes Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI).

They often last for six months or longer. People with MBI are more likely to get dementia later. If you see lasting changes in how you or someone acts, it is important to notice.

Mood and Emotional Changes

Increased Anxiety or Depression

Mood changes are common when dementia is starting. You may feel sad, worried, or hopeless for no clear reason. Studies show depression and anxiety can happen years before memory loss. People with depression have a much higher risk of getting dementia later.

• Depression later in life often links to a higher risk of dementia.
• Study methods and who is in the study can change results.

Unexplained Irritability

You may see yourself or someone else get upset by small things. This irritability can come without warning and may not fit the situation.

Mood swings or sudden anger can be subtle behavior changes before dementia. These ups and downs can confuse both the person and their loved ones.

If you see mood changes that last weeks or months, talk to a doctor. Getting help early can make a big difference.

Most Frequently Reported Subtle Behavioral Changes

• Changes in motivation
• Mood changes, like irritability or apathy
• Loss of empathy
• Emotional ups and downs
• Unusual thoughts
• Acting without thinking

1. Stopping hobbies or skipping social events
2. Big changes in motivation or energy
3. Feeling tired or sad for a long time

You can see that subtle behavior changes before dementia are not just about memory loss. Watching for these early signs can help you get the right care and support.

Early Memory and Thinking Problems

You might see early memory and thinking problems before other symptoms. These changes can look small at first. Over time, they can become easier to notice.

Many people do not see these early signs. They can seem like normal aging. But watching for these changes can help you act sooner.

Forgetting Recent Events

Forgetting recent events is a common early sign of dementia. You might have trouble remembering things that just happened.

For example, you may forget a conversation or what you ate for breakfast. Sometimes, you forget important dates or appointments. This kind of memory loss can make daily life harder.

Repeating Questions

You might see someone ask the same question again and again. Even after getting an answer, they ask it once more. This happens because the brain cannot keep new information. Repeating questions is a sign that memory problems are more than normal forgetfulness.

Misplacing Items

Misplacing things is another early warning sign. You might put items in strange places, like keys in the fridge or a wallet in the bathroom. Sometimes, you cannot remember where you put them. This can make you feel upset or think someone moved your things.

If you see someone misplacing things or asking questions again and again, write it down. Keeping a simple log can help you share these changes with a doctor.

Confusion About Time or Place

Confusion about time or place can show up early in dementia. You might forget the date, the season, or where you are. This confusion can make it hard to plan or follow a schedule.

Research shows people with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia have trouble with time. Many cannot remember the order of past events or how much time has passed. More than half of people with some types of dementia have this confusion.

Getting Lost in Familiar Areas

You might get lost in places you know well, like your street or the store. This can feel scary and make you not want to go out alone. Getting lost in familiar places is a strong sign your brain is having trouble with your surroundings.

Disorientation

Disorientation means you might not know where you are or how you got there. You could forget the day or the time. Sometimes, you may not know familiar faces or places. These confusing moments can happen fast and last a short or long time.

Early memory and thinking problems do not always mean dementia. But you should not ignore them. If you see these changes, talk to a healthcare professional.

Social Withdrawal and Apathy

People may start to spend less time with others. They might not want to be with friends or family as much. This change happens slowly, so it is hard to notice. Social withdrawal and apathy are often missed early signs of dementia.

Loss of Interest in Activities

Apathy means you do not care about things you liked before. It is not just being lazy or tired for a day. It is a lasting change in how you feel about your favorite things.

Neglecting Hobbies

You might stop doing hobbies that made you happy before. For example, you may leave a puzzle unfinished or stop gardening. You may not want to read, paint, or play games anymore. This loss of interest is more than just a bad mood. It can show changes in your brain that affect motivation and planning.

• Apathy in dementia means less motivation, less interest, and less initiative.
• People often stop doing things they used to love.
• Changes in the brain, especially in areas that help you plan and make choices, can cause apathy.

Avoiding Social Events

You might skip social events, even if you liked them before. Family gatherings, club meetings, or outings with friends may not seem fun anymore. You may feel nervous or unsure about joining in, or you may just not care as much as before.

• Losing interest in activities is a strong early sign of cognitive decline.
• Apathy is common in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It often leads to less involvement in daily life.
• People with apathy are twice as likely to get dementia as they get older.

If you see yourself or someone else losing interest in hobbies or skipping social events, write down these changes. Finding these signs early can help you get support sooner.

Reduced Social Interaction

You may also talk less or spend less time with others. This can happen even with close friends or family. You might find it hard to follow conversations or feel left out in groups.

You may see that you or someone you know stops talking in groups or avoids group activities. This can happen because it is hard to keep up or understand what others are saying. Social withdrawal can make you feel lonely and can make dementia symptoms worse over time.

Social withdrawal and apathy are not just normal aging. They can be early signs of dementia. Watching for these changes can help you get the right care and support.

Language and Communication Issues

You might see changes in how you talk or understand others before dementia starts. These changes can happen slowly. They often make daily life more difficult.

You may have trouble saying what you want or following what people say. These problems can be different each day. They might get worse if you are tired or not feeling well.

Trouble Finding Words

You may stop a lot when you speak. You might forget names or easy words. This is more than just forgetting a word sometimes.

You may stop talking and not know how to finish. Sometimes, you use a word that is wrong or does not fit. These stops can make you feel upset or shy.

If you see lots of stops or word mistakes, write them down. Keeping notes can help you notice patterns.

People with early dementia often have these stops when trying to remember names or facts. This problem is tied to changes in memory and focus, not just language. Some days may be easier than others. Stress or being tired can make it harder to find words.

Disorganized Speech

You might see your speech is not as clear. You may switch topics without finishing your thought. Others may not follow your story. Sometimes, your sentences do not fit together well. This can make talks confusing for you and others.

Difficulty Following Conversations

You may find it hard to keep up when people talk. You might lose the topic or forget what was just said. Noisy places or groups can feel too much. You may ask people to repeat or stop joining in.

If you see these changes in yourself or someone else, pay attention. Getting help early can make talking easier.

Poor Judgment and Everyday Tasks

You might see changes in judgment before memory loss. These changes can make daily life harder. They can affect your safety and independence. Early signs often show up in how you use money or make choices. You may also have trouble with simple routines.

Financial Mistakes

Money problems can start early in dementia. You might forget to pay bills or buy things you do not need. Balancing your checkbook can get hard.

These mistakes can happen years before you know you have dementia. You may not notice, but family or friends might see these changes.

You may also see other signs like:

• Giving money to strangers or telemarketers
• Forgetting to deposit checks or cash
• Buying things and not remembering

Impulsive Decisions

Dementia can change how you make choices. You might act fast without thinking. You may buy expensive things for no reason. You could fall for scams. Sometimes, you may not see danger in a situation.

If you or someone you know makes risky choices, pay attention. Watch for changes in spending or decision-making.

You may also have:

• Poor judgment or trouble reasoning
• Problems setting goals or planning
• Trouble with hard tasks or doing many things at once
• Getting too upset over small problems

These changes can make life harder and put you at risk.

Trouble with Routine Tasks

You might find easy things hard to do. Cooking, cleaning, or shopping can get confusing. You may need more help to finish tasks or remember steps.

Difficulty Managing Medications

You may forget to take your medicine or take the wrong amount. This can be dangerous and cause health problems. Taking medicine needs planning and focus, which can get harder with dementia.

• You might skip doses or take medicine at the wrong time.
• You may not remember why you need some pills.
• You could mix up bottles or forget to refill them.

If you or someone you care for has trouble with daily routines or medicine, talk to a doctor. Getting help early can keep you safe and independent.

Poor judgment and trouble with everyday tasks are not just normal aging. They can be early signs that your brain is changing. Watching for these changes can help you get help sooner.

Unusual Early Warning Signs

You might see some strange changes before dementia starts. These signs can look different from memory loss or confusion. Watching for these early warning signs can help you notice dementia sooner.

Compulsive Behaviors

You may see yourself or someone else doing things over and over. These actions can start before memory problems show up. The National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association says compulsive or obsessive actions can happen early in Alzheimer’s disease. People with frontotemporal dementia have these symptoms much more often. Sometimes, almost everyone with frontotemporal dementia has them. In Alzheimer’s disease, about 10–45% of people show these symptoms.

Repetitive Actions

You might see someone do the same thing again and again. For example, a person may check the door lock many times. They may wash their hands over and over. Some people collect things in a certain way. At first, these actions may not seem like a problem. But they can happen more often or get stronger. Repetitive behaviors can look like:

• Hoarding objects or papers
• Pacing back and forth
• Arranging items in a certain order
• Asking the same question again and again

If you see these patterns, write them down. Keeping track can help you tell a doctor.

Eating Strange Foods

Changes in eating can also be an early sign of dementia. You might want foods you never liked before. You may eat the same thing every day.

Some people with frontotemporal dementia eat lots of sweets or eat too much food very fast. Others may forget to eat or only want one kind of food. These changes happen because dementia affects parts of your brain that control taste and hunger.

• Craving sweets or junk food
• Eating more than usual or binge eating
• Forgetting to eat meals
• Only wanting the same food every day

Strange eating habits can confuse family members. If you see these changes, talk to a healthcare provider.

Declining Sense of Smell

Losing your sense of smell can be an early sign of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found that losing your sense of smell quickly can mean your brain is changing. Not being able to smell does not just change how you taste food. It can also show that your brain is having problems.

Smell tests can help doctors find problems sooner. If you cannot smell flowers, food, or smoke as well as before, tell your doctor at your next visit.

Losing your sense of smell can be easy to miss. Watch for small changes. They can help you find dementia early.

Unusual early warning signs to watch for:

• Compulsive or repetitive actions
• Eating strange foods or changes in appetite
• Loss of smell
• Sudden changes in personality or behavior
• Trouble understanding sarcasm or jokes

Finding these signs early can help you get the right support and care.

Differentiating Dementia from Normal Aging

It is important to know the difference between normal aging and dementia. This can help you make good choices for yourself or someone you care about.

Many people get worried when they see small changes in memory or behavior. Some changes are just a normal part of getting older. Other changes might mean something more serious is happening. If you know what to look for, you can decide when to ask for help.

Typical Aging vs. Dementia

You might see yourself or someone else forget things sometimes. This is normal as people get older. Dementia causes changes that are not normal. These changes are bigger and happen more often. The table below shows how normal aging and dementia are different:

If you see changes that make daily life hard or keep getting worse, pay close attention. Normal aging does not usually cause big problems with daily life or friendships.

When to Be Concerned

You should look for signs that are not just normal aging. These signs happen more often, last longer, or make daily life harder. If you see any of these, talk to a doctor or nurse:

• Forgetting things that just happened or talks you just had
• Getting lost in places you know well
• Having trouble with words or following what people say
• Acting different, like being quiet or not acting like yourself
• Falling a lot or having trouble with balance
• Doing risky things or acting in ways that are not normal for you
• Having trouble seeing things, like judging how far away something is
• Asking the same thing over and over
• Eating differently without meaning to
• Having trouble planning or organizing your day
• Not wanting to do things you used to enjoy

You might see one or two of these signs as you get older, but if they happen a lot or make daily life hard, they could be signs of dementia. Finding these signs early helps you get help and make plans for the future.

What to Do Next

If you see small changes in behavior, you might feel confused. You may not know what to do next. Acting early can help you and your family get support. Here are some steps you can try.

Talking to Loved Ones

Talking about these changes can be tough. You want your loved one to feel safe. You also want them to know you care. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Pick a quiet place with no noise.
• Choose a time when everyone is calm.
• Make sure you have enough time to talk.
• Think about asking other family members to join.
• Bring notes or helpful papers if you need them.

Start by saying what you have seen. For example, you can say, “I have noticed some changes, and I am worried. Can we talk about it?” Use “I” statements like, “I feel worried when appointments are missed.” Listen to what your loved one says.

They may feel strong emotions. Stay calm and let them share their feelings. Take breaks if anyone gets upset. This way, everyone feels heard and cared for.

Seeking Professional Help

If you keep seeing changes, talk to a doctor. Here are steps you can follow:

1. Notice early signs of behavior changes.
2. Tell your main doctor what you see.
3. Ask for a visit with a neurologist or dementia center.
4. Do tests like memory checks or brain scans.

Many clinics use short tests first. These tests show how your brain is working. Some places, like the BOLD Center for Early Detection of Dementia, have toolkits and guides. Computer tests and online tools can also help find answers.

Getting checked early gives you more choices for care. Do not wait if you are worried.

Monitoring Changes

Writing down changes over time helps doctors. You can use a notebook, phone apps, or special devices. Here are ways to keep track:

You can also use memory test apps or ask family to write down changes. These notes help your doctor see patterns and make good choices.

Write down any new or strange behaviors. Show these notes to your doctor at each visit.

Doing these things can help you get answers and support.

You can help a lot by noticing small behavior changes before dementia. Acting early helps you and your family. When you see these signs, you can get better care and support. Finding these changes early has many good effects:

If you are not sure what to do, talk to a doctor or a support group. You do not have to handle this alone.

FAQ

What are the first signs of dementia you might notice?

You may see small changes in memory, mood, or motivation. You might forget recent events, lose interest in hobbies, or feel more anxious. These signs often appear before bigger memory problems.

How can you tell if behavior changes are normal aging or dementia?

Normal aging causes mild forgetfulness. Dementia causes changes that happen more often and make daily life harder. If you see changes that last or get worse, talk to a doctor.

Should you worry if you forget things sometimes?

Forgetting things once in a while is normal. If you forget important things often or repeat questions, you should pay attention. Write down what you notice and share it with your doctor.

Can mood swings be an early sign of dementia?

Yes. You may feel more irritable, sad, or anxious. These mood changes can happen before memory loss. If mood swings last for weeks or months, you should seek help.

What should you do if you notice these changes in a loved one?

Start a gentle conversation. Share what you have noticed. Suggest seeing a doctor together. Early action helps you get answers and support.

Are there tools to help track behavior changes?

Yes. You can use a notebook, phone app, or calendar to write down changes. Some people use wearable devices to track sleep or movement. These notes help your doctor see patterns.

Can you prevent dementia by noticing early signs?

You cannot always prevent dementia. Early detection helps you get care sooner. You can join programs, stay active, and manage health problems to support brain health.

When should you see a doctor about memory or behavior changes?

See a doctor if changes last for weeks, get worse, or affect daily life. Early visits help you find answers and plan for the future.