1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
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Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or repeating questions.
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Forgetting appointments, conversations, or where items are placed.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
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Trouble following familiar recipes, balancing finances, or handling tasks that were once easy.
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
3. Confusion With Time or Place
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Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
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Getting lost in familiar neighborhoods or forgetting where they are.
4. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
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Difficulty reading, judging distance, or recognizing colors or shapes.
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Problems driving or navigating familiar routes.
5. New Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing
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Struggling to find the right words, repeating oneself, or calling things by the wrong name.
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Trouble following or joining a conversation.
6. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
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Putting things in unusual places and being unable to find them.
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Accusing others of stealing items they themselves misplaced.
7. Decreased or Poor Judgment
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Making poor financial decisions.
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Neglecting personal hygiene or ignoring safety concerns.
8. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities
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Avoiding hobbies, social gatherings, or work projects.
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Losing interest in friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities.
9. Changes in Mood and Personality
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Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
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Sudden changes in personality, irritability, or agitation.
10. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
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Trouble cooking, driving, paying bills, or remembering routines.
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Tasks that were once easy may become challenging or impossible.
Important Notes
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Some of these signs can also be caused by stress, depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or medication side effects, so evaluation is essential.
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Early evaluation by a doctor (neurologist or geriatric specialist) can rule out reversible causes and help with planning.
If you want, I can make a practical checklist you can use at home to monitor these early dementia signs for yourself or a loved one. It’s very handy for spotting patterns before they worsen.
Do you want me to do that?
