You might be getting dementia if you have significant, persistent issues with memory (especially recent events), finding words, problem-solving, or judgment, which interfere with daily life, alongside mood changes, confusion, or trouble with familiar tasks like managing finances or navigating, distinguishing these from normal aging by their worsening impact. Seeing a doctor for proper evaluation is crucial, as many symptoms overlap with other treatable conditions, and early diagnosis helps management.
10 warning signs of dementia
The 5-word memory test is a cognitive screening tool. This approach is simple—a person is told 5 words in a specific order, and a few minutes later, they're asked to recall them in the same order. It's often used by healthcare providers to test memory and short-term recall.
Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include: memory problems, particularly remembering recent events. increasing confusion. reduced concentration.
Young onset-dementia treatment. There is currently no cure for dementia. However, there are treatments and support services that can help someone with the condition. These include drug and non-drug treatments, support, activities, information and advice.
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) is a brief self-administered cognitive screening instrument used to identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from any cause and early dementia.
For most people with Alzheimer's — those who have the late-onset variety — symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or later. When the disease develops before age 65, it's considered early-onset Alzheimer's, which can begin as early as a person's 30s, although this is rare.
You Miss Out on Sleep
You do a few things you know you shouldn't -- we all do. But some of those bad habits can take a toll on your brain. For example, lack of sleep may be a cause of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Stage 1: Normal outward behavior. No Dementia.
You won't notice any changes with your loved one.
A large study found that older adults who took vitamin D had a 40% lower chance of developing dementia than those who didn't. You can get vitamin D from food like fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified milk.
The SAGE test is a short, self-administered evaluation that screens for early signs of memory or thinking problems like dementia. You take it on your own, at home or at your provider's office. It's simple and there's no studying needed. It can catch issues early.
Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia includes the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person's quality of life and activities.
There is no known cure, but early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better quality of life. Stay healthy with a good diet and regular exercise. Stay away from alcohol and other substances that may affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
In the early stages of dementia, a person's symptoms are often relatively mild and not always easy to notice. Common early-stage symptoms include problems with memory, speed of thought, language or perception.
Even though a person with dementia may end up sleeping more than a typical person of their age – even as much as 14–15 hours a day – it is unlikely to all be good quality sleep. Sleeping a lot can also be influenced by people's sleeping patterns before they had dementia, as some people need more sleep than others.
Reduce your risk of dementia
The number one cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, responsible for 60-80% of cases, characterized by brain plaques (beta-amyloid protein) and tangles (tau protein) that damage nerve cells, leading to progressive memory and cognitive decline, though vascular dementia from blood vessel damage is also a significant factor.
The cause of roughly 70% of all dementia cases is Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, leading to memory loss and impaired thinking that interferes with daily life, making it the most common form of dementia.
Our infographic showing 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which includes:
Cognitive tests are short, quick tests to check how well your brain is functioning. These tests don't diagnose specific diseases.
Smoking, low physical activity, and a poor diet are all lifestyle and environmental influences that have been linked to rapid dementia decline. Physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, which in turn improves brain function. Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle may experience faster cognitive decline.
The researchers found dementia risk decreased with higher amounts of physical activity. Dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity/week category; 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes/week category; and 69% lower in the 140 and over minutes/week category.
Many people wonder whether stress is linked to a risk of dementia, and the news often reports a link between the two. Current research indicates that stress may play a role in the development or progression of dementia, but does not necessarily cause dementia.