What Are the Signs of Dementia That Don’t Involve Memory Loss

Dementia can cause more than just memory loss; it can also present dementia symptoms without memory loss. You may observe mood swings, sleep issues, or changes in personality.

Some individuals may struggle with managing money or driving, while others might experience a loss of their sense of smell.

• Around 70% of people with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit personality changes.
• Sleep problems occur in 60-80% of dementia cases.
• Up to 90% of patients experience behavior problems.

Recognizing dementia signs without memory loss early is beneficial. An early diagnosis provides more treatment options and allows families to plan for care and safety.

Key Takeaways

• Dementia can cause more than just memory loss. It can cause mood swings, sleep problems, and changes in personality.
• Noticing these other signs early helps people get help sooner. It also helps families make better care plans.
• Some early signs are anxiety, irritability, apathy, and staying away from others. These can make daily life harder.
• People may have trouble making good choices or decisions. They might make money mistakes or plan things badly. These can be early signs of dementia.
• Changes in senses, like losing smell or having vision problems, can happen before memory loss. It is important to watch for these changes.
• People may have trouble with speech and language. They might not find the right words. This can happen early as dementia gets worse.
• Problems with driving or finding places are important to notice. People may get lost or drive in unsafe ways.
• Getting medical help early gives people and families more support. It also helps them find more resources.

Common Dementia Symptoms Without Memory Loss

Noticing dementia symptoms without memory loss can help you see changes early. Many people spot mood or behavior problems before memory issues start. These signs are easy to miss, but they can change daily life and relationships.

Mood and Emotional Changes

Anxiety and Depression

You might see someone feeling worried or sad more often. Depression and anxiety can look like fear or hopelessness. Sometimes, people with dementia cannot say how they feel, so you notice their mood instead. For example, your loved one may stop liking favorite things or seem nervous in places they know.

Mood and emotional changes, like depression and apathy, are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. These symptoms can happen with cognitive decline and may look like normal aging.

Irritability and Mood Swings

People with dementia can get upset about small things. You might see their feelings change fast, like going from calm to angry or sad in minutes. For example, your parent may snap at you for a simple question or cry during a talk.

Here is a table showing common mood and emotional changes:

Apathy or Loss of Interest

Apathy means losing interest in things you liked before. Your friend may stop going to events or ignore hobbies like gardening or reading. They might seem flat and not care about things that used to matter.

• Apathy can look like depression, but it often shows up as no energy or motivation.
• You may see your loved one sit quietly for a long time or avoid talking.

Personality and Behavior Changes

Social Withdrawal

People with dementia symptoms without memory loss may stay away from friends and family. You might see them skip events or not answer calls. They may feel nervous in groups or have trouble talking with others.

Staying away from social activities is a common early sign. If you see someone being less social, watch for other changes.

Impulsivity or Unusual Actions

Impulsivity means acting without thinking first. Your loved one may make odd choices, like buying expensive things or saying rude words. For example, your spouse might leave the house without telling anyone or eat food that is not theirs.

Repetitive or Compulsive Behaviors

Some people repeat actions or words a lot. You may see your parent fold the same towel again and again or ask the same question many times. Compulsive behaviors can be checking doors or washing hands over and over.

Here is a table showing personality and behavior changes:

Judgment and Decision-Making Problems

Financial Mistakes

You may see your loved one make mistakes with money. They might forget to pay bills, give away lots of money, or fall for scams. For example, your parent may send money to strangers or buy things they do not need.

Poor Planning or Organization

People with dementia symptoms without memory loss often have trouble planning or organizing. You might see them miss appointments or forget steps in a recipe. They may not manage their schedule or keep track of important papers.

Safety Awareness Issues

Safety problems can show up early. Your loved one may leave the stove on, go outside alone, or not follow traffic signals. These actions can be risky, even if their memory seems okay.

Here is a table showing how judgment and decision-making problems link to early dementia:

Poor orientation and visual-perceptual problems can also show up early. People may have trouble knowing familiar places or judging distances, which can cause confusion.

If you see these dementia symptoms without memory loss, talk to a doctor. Finding these signs early helps you get support and plan for safety.

Attention and Focus Issues

Trouble Concentrating

It can get harder to focus on things. You might feel like your mind is cloudy. Paying attention for a long time is tough. Simple tasks, like shopping or paying bills, may feel too hard.

You may lose things or forget what you are doing. For example, you could start a grocery list but forget what you need halfway through.

• People with dementia symptoms without memory loss often have trouble focusing.
• You might go blank when trying to remember or finish something.

If you find yourself staring off or not finishing chores, this could be an early sign of dementia.

Difficulty Following Conversations

It can be hard to keep up when people talk. You may not follow what others say, especially in loud places or groups. You might forget the topic or what someone just said. For example, you may ask people to repeat themselves or feel lost at family events.

Multitasking Problems

Doing more than one thing at a time gets harder. You may find it tough to cook and talk on the phone. Doing many chores in a row may feel confusing.

Things that used to be easy now seem hard. For example, you might forget to turn off the stove while setting the table.

• Problems with multitasking can show up before memory loss.
• You may notice mistakes when switching between tasks.

Sleep and Wakefulness Changes

Insomnia or Restless Sleep

Sleep problems are common when dementia starts. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Restless nights can make you tired during the day.

People with Alzheimer’s disease often get less deep sleep and REM sleep. Sleep can be broken up, with lots of waking and less sleep time.

• Up to 70% of people with early dementia have sleep problems.
• Sleep changes can happen years before other symptoms.

Bad sleep can lead to worse thinking problems later. If you keep having sleep trouble, talk to a doctor.

Daytime Sleepiness

Feeling sleepy during the day is another sign. You may fall asleep during activities or feel tired even after sleeping all night. Being sleepy in the day can make it hard to focus and finish things. This sign can show up before memory loss and make life harder.

• Sleep problems are closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Daytime sleepiness can mean changes in brain health.

Sensory and Perceptual Changes

Loss of Smell

Losing your sense of smell can be an early warning. You may not notice smells like coffee or flowers. Loss of smell often comes before memory problems, especially in Lewy body dementia. This shows that smell and thinking are connected.

• Smell and vision are some of the first senses affected by Alzheimer’s.
• Changes in smell can be a sign of dementia symptoms without memory loss.

Vision and Depth Perception Problems

You may have trouble judging distance or seeing clearly. Reading, driving, or walking can get harder. Problems with depth perception may cause you to trip or bump into things. These changes can happen early and make daily life unsafe.

• Dementia can make it harder to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.
• Vision problems can make life harder and raise the risk of accidents.

Reading and Following Moving Objects

Reading can get tough. You may lose your place on a page or have trouble following moving things, like cars or people.

Watching TV or playing sports may feel confusing. These problems can come before memory loss and affect your freedom.

Sensory changes, like trouble with smell and vision, often show up early. Watch for these signs, as they can help you spot dementia sooner.

Speech and Language Difficulties

Trouble Finding Words

You might have a hard time finding the right words when you talk. Sometimes, you stop in the middle of a sentence or use words like “thing” or “stuff” instead of saying the real name.

You could forget names of people or places you used to know well. This can make you feel upset or shy when talking to others.

• You might say, “Pass me the…uh…that thing,” when you mean “salt.”
• You may call a television a “watching box” because you cannot remember the word.

Having trouble finding words can happen before memory loss. You or your family might see this change during normal talks.

Loss of Speech or Language Skills

As dementia gets worse, it can be harder to speak clearly or understand what people say. You might not be able to name things or follow directions. Sometimes, you use the wrong words or mix up your sentences. Reading and writing can also get tough.

• You may not finish your sentences or forget what you want to say.
• You might not get jokes or stories as easily as before.

Some people get a condition called primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This is a language problem linked to frontotemporal degeneration.

PPA can cause speech problems before memory is affected. There are different types of PPA, like logopenic, semantic variant, and nonfluent/agrammatic. Each type changes language in its own way.

Here are some speech and language problems you might notice:

If you see changes in how you talk, write, or understand words, tell a doctor. These signs can help find dementia symptoms without memory loss.

Driving and Navigation Problems

Getting Lost

You might have trouble remembering how to get to places you know well, even if you have been there many times. New directions can be confusing. It may take you longer to get somewhere or you might need help from GPS or other people more often.

• You could get lost going to the grocery store or forget which street to turn on.
• You might feel nervous or stressed when driving in new places.

Getting lost is a common early sign. You may see this before you notice memory problems.

Unsafe Driving Behaviors

Driving can get dangerous if you have trouble focusing, making choices, or reacting fast. You might not follow traffic signs or forget which pedal is the gas or brake.

Sometimes, you drive too slow or too fast, or stop at the wrong time, like at a green light. You may get mixed up by traffic signals or take too long to decide.

Other drivers might honk at you more. You could see dents or scratches on your car. You may drift out of your lane or forget to check before changing lanes. Turning left can be hard. You might feel mad or upset while driving.

Here are some unsafe driving actions:

• Not following traffic signs
• Stopping at the wrong time
• Driving too slow or too fast
• Making bad choices on the road
• Not staying in your lane
• Taking longer to get places
• Feeling confused or stressed

If you see changes in your driving or getting around, talk to your doctor. Finding these signs early can help keep you and others safe.

Dementia Types With Non-Memory Symptoms

Some kinds of dementia start with signs that are not about memory loss. You might see changes in how someone acts, moves, or feels before they forget things. Here are some types where these other symptoms show up first:

Dementia With Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies can begin with problems in staying alert, paying attention, or moving. A person may have trouble focusing or staying awake. These problems can come and go, so it is hard to notice a pattern.

Visual Hallucinations and Movement Issues

People with this dementia might see things that are not real, like animals or people. These visual hallucinations can look very real to them.

Moving can also get harder early on. You may see slow walking, stiff arms or legs, or shaking, like in Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes, a person walks with tiny steps or drags their feet.

• Seeing things that are not there is a main sign of Lewy body dementia.
• Moving differently can make daily life more difficult.

Someone may seem confused at times, but then act normal later. This can make the symptoms hard to predict.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep problems are common with Lewy body dementia. People might move, talk, or act out dreams while sleeping. This is called REM sleep behavior disorder. They may also feel very tired during the day or have trouble staying awake.

• Sleep changes can happen before memory problems.
• Acting out dreams can be an early clue.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia often starts with trouble planning, focusing, or making choices. Memory loss might not happen right away. You may see someone struggle with daily jobs or following steps.

Focus and Planning Problems

A loved one might have a hard time planning their day or finishing simple tasks. They may not use everyday items the right way or follow directions well. These problems can make work or home life tough.

• Vascular dementia usually starts with planning and decision-making problems, not memory loss.

Speech and Language Loss

Speech and language troubles can show up early too. You might hear slurred words, see someone struggle to find words, or notice they do not understand others well. These changes can make talking hard and cause frustration.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia mostly changes how a person acts or feels first. Memory usually stays okay at the start. You may see big changes in their personality or mood.

Personality and Behavior Changes

A loved one might act in ways that seem strange for them. They may do things without thinking, say mean things, or stop caring about family and friends.

Some people repeat actions or words, while others eat or drink more than before. You might also see less caring for others or changes in what makes them laugh.

• People may have trouble focusing or making plans.
• Acting out or being rude is common.
• Some lose interest in things they liked before.
• Mood changes, like not caring or getting annoyed, can last a long time.

These changes in how someone acts or feels can last for months before memory problems start.

Here are some signs you might see with frontotemporal dementia:

• Not understanding how others feel or missing social clues
• Doing the same thing over and over
• Wanting certain foods or forgetting table manners
• Showing little or too much emotion

You can spot dementia without memory loss by watching for these early changes in movement, speech, or actions. Noticing these signs early can help you get help sooner.

Other Dementia Types

Symptoms in Less Common Types, Such as Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Some rare types of dementia do not start with memory loss. Parkinson’s disease dementia is one of these types. It often begins with changes in how a person thinks, feels, or moves. The symptoms can look different from Alzheimer’s disease.

People with Parkinson’s disease dementia may have trouble paying attention. They might find it hard to plan or organize things. Sometimes, they cannot judge distance or know what objects are. These problems can make daily life confusing or unsafe.

You may also see mood or behavior changes. Some people feel sad or worried. Others might seem restless or get upset easily. Hallucinations can happen too.

Your loved one might see things that are not real or believe things that are not true. These signs can show up before memory loss is easy to notice.

Here is a table showing common non-memory symptoms in Parkinson’s disease dementia:

Other thinking problems can happen too. These include:

• Dysexecutive syndrome (trouble with planning and decision-making)
• Fluctuating attention (focus changes from day to day)
• Visuospatial impairment (difficulty judging space and distance)
• Apathy (lack of motivation or interest)
• Recurrent complex visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not real)

These symptoms can make daily life hard for you or your loved one. You might see changes in how someone moves, talks, or acts with others. These signs can come before memory loss and may be the first clue that something is wrong.

Other rare dementias, like corticobasal degeneration or progressive supranuclear palsy, can also cause movement or speech problems before memory loss.

You may see slow movements, stiff muscles, or balance trouble. Speech may sound slurred or be hard to understand. Some people stop doing activities or stay away from others.

If you see these changes, talk to a doctor. Finding these signs early helps you get the right care and support. Watching for these early signs can help your loved one stay safe and comfortable.

Recognizing Early Signs in Daily Life

Changes in Routine Activities

You might see changes in how you do daily tasks. Simple things, like making breakfast or getting dressed, can get confusing. You may forget steps or miss important parts.

For example, you could leave out food when cooking or put on clothes in the wrong order. These changes can happen before memory loss starts.

People sometimes stop doing hobbies or activities they liked. You might see someone who loved gardening ignore their plants. A person who always read books may not pick them up anymore. Apathy means not caring about things. It can show up early and make life harder. People may also stay away from others. You might skip family dinners or not talk to friends.

If you notice these changes, pay attention. They can be early signs of dementia even if memory is still okay.

Noticing Unusual Behaviors

Strange behaviors can show up before memory problems. You might act differently or see loved ones do odd things. Some people feel sad or lose interest in life.

Others may believe things that are not true, like thinking someone is stealing from them. These changes can affect how you make choices.

Here are some behaviors to look for:

• Doing things without thinking, like risky actions
• Repeating the same thing over and over
• Showing less feeling or not caring about others
• Staying away from social events or family gatherings

Apathy and depression can make you or your loved one less active. You may stop joining group events or ignore important chores. Delusions, which are false beliefs, can also happen. These behaviors often mean changes in the brain’s executive function, which helps with planning and judgment.

Early changes in behavior can make daily life harder. You may see these signs before memory loss happens.

Impact on Relationships and Work

Dementia symptoms that do not involve memory can change how you act with others. You may find it hard to talk with friends or family. Mood swings or getting upset can cause fights.

Some people become less patient or want to be alone. These changes can make relationships tough and social times awkward.

At work, you might have trouble finishing jobs or following directions. You may forget meetings or make mistakes you did not make before.

Changes in behavior can make it hard to get along with coworkers and clients. Some people feel embarrassed or worry about what others think, so they hide their problems. This can cause stress and make people leave work sooner than they planned.

Families feel these changes too. Young onset dementia can change family roles. Caregivers may have to do more and feel stressed. Relationships may change as loved ones need more help.

• Work can get worse because of mistakes or poor choices.
• Behavior changes can hurt relationships at work.
• Worry about what others think may make you hide problems or quit your job.
• Family members often have to do more and face new problems.

Seeing these early signs helps you get help and plan for changes at work and home.

What To Do If You Notice These Symptoms

When to Seek Medical Advice

You might see changes in how someone acts before memory problems. These changes can be mood swings, acting confused, or losing interest in things.

A person may get upset for no reason or stop going out with friends. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, talk to a doctor. A doctor can check for dementia or other health problems.

Here are some signs that mean you should see a doctor:

• Missing bills or getting lost in places you know
• Feeling anxious or not caring about things
• Not wanting to do hobbies you used to like
• Mood changes that others can see
• Trouble understanding what you see or where things are

Seeing a doctor early helps you find answers and make plans. Doctors can do tests to learn what is wrong and give ideas to help.

How to Talk to Loved Ones

Talking about dementia symptoms with family or friends can be tough. You want to share your worries without making them scared or mad. Use simple words and speak slowly so it is easy to understand. Smiling or a gentle touch can show you care.

Try these ideas:

• Say how you feel, like “I get worried when you leave the stove on.”
• Listen carefully. Look at them and give time for answers.
• Do not argue or say they are wrong. This keeps things calm.
• Pick a quiet place with no loud noises for your talk.

You can follow these steps for a good talk:

1. Tell your worries in a kind way. Give real examples.
2. Let your loved one talk about how they feel too.
3. Make a plan together, like setting up a doctor visit.

Being patient and kind makes these talks better. Your loved one might feel scared or mixed up, so being nice helps.

Finding Support and Resources

You do not have to deal with dementia by yourself. Many groups can help you and your family. These groups give support, answers, and places to talk with others.

Here are some places that can help:

• Alzheimer’s Association: Gives classes, support groups, and tips for daily life.
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Has a helpline, services, and memory checks.
• Alzheimers.gov: Shares advice for living with dementia and finding help nearby.
• American Stroke Association: Helps with vascular dementia and stroke recovery.
• Area Agency on Aging Locator: Finds local programs and services for you.
• Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: Supports people with FTD and their families.
• Dementia Action Alliance: Offers peer support and tips for daily living.
• Dementia Alliance International: Builds community and speaks up for people with dementia.

Support groups and learning resources help you cope and share. You can get comfort and advice from people who know what you are going through.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Benefits of Early Diagnosis

When you notice dementia symptoms early, you get many benefits. You have more time to learn what is happening. This helps you make choices about your health and care.

You can stay independent for a longer time. Your family can help you plan for the future and support each other.

• You can start treatment sooner, which might help you feel better.
• You can make a care plan that fits what you want.
• You learn about your condition and set goals you can reach.
• You find out about benefits and legal rights.
• You can keep a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Almost 90% of Americans want to know if they have Alzheimer’s disease when they notice confusion or changes. Finding out early helps you and your family get ready and find help.

You also get more time to talk with your loved ones. This helps everyone know what to expect and how to help.

Planning for Care and Safety

If you spot dementia early, you can plan for care and safety before things get worse. You can change things at home to make it safer and easier.

Caregivers can watch for signs like wandering or being clumsy and stop accidents before they happen.

• Take away things you can trip on and add more lights at home.
• Watch for changes in how someone moves or walks.
• Use physical therapy to help with balance.
• Make routines to help with daily life.

You can also plan for money and legal needs while you still can. Families get more time to organize papers and talk about care choices.

Planning ahead helps you stay in charge and avoid problems. You protect yourself and your family from stress and confusion.

Emotional Support for Families

Families need support when someone shows early dementia symptoms. You can feel better by doing activities and keeping routines together. Support groups and counseling help you share feelings and learn from others.

• Early diagnosis helps you join support groups and get counseling.
• Meeting others in your community helps you feel less alone.
• You can start getting help right away for emotional problems.

When you notice symptoms early, your family has time to learn and adjust. You can build a support system that helps everyone feel better.

Dementia is not just about memory loss. It can change how you think and learn. You might see mood swings or trouble sleeping. Making choices can get harder.

Look for these signs:

Finding these signs early means you can get help sooner. You can make your home safer and start helpful routines. Doing fun activities can bring comfort. There are groups and people who can help you and your family.

FAQ

What are early signs of dementia besides memory loss?

You might see mood swings or sleep problems. Personality can change, and judgment may get worse. Speech, vision, or smell can be hard. These signs often show up first.

Can dementia affect how you speak or understand language?

You may have trouble finding words or joining talks. Simple words might be used, and names can be forgotten. Reading and writing may get tough. Speech changes can happen early.

Why do people with dementia withdraw from social activities?

Groups can make you feel nervous or mixed up. You may stop hobbies or avoid friends. Staying away from others is an early sign.

How does dementia impact driving?

You might get lost on roads you know well. Unsafe choices can happen while driving. Judging distance or reacting fast may be hard. Bad driving can start before memory loss.

Is loss of smell linked to dementia?

You may lose your sense of smell before other signs. This change can mean dementia, like Lewy body or Alzheimer’s disease.

What should you do if you notice these symptoms?

You should see a doctor soon. Early help gives you support and care plans. Doctors can check for dementia and give advice.

Can sleep problems mean early dementia?

You may not sleep well or feel tired in the day. Sleep changes can come before memory loss. Bad sleep makes thinking harder.

Are there resources for families dealing with dementia?

You can get help from groups like the Alzheimer’s Association. Local agencies and support groups give advice and comfort.