With over a decade of working in elder care, I’ve come to appreciate how much seniors value their independence. And understandably so. Nobody’s lining up to hand over their car keys or put sticky-note reminders all over their kitchen. But here’s the reality: spotting dementia early can drastically improve how you manage the condition, keep your independence intact longer, and even help you enjoy the life you’ve carefully built over decades.
So let’s talk about dementia plainly. It’s not just forgetting your keys now and again. It’s not occasionally misplacing your glasses only to find them perched on your head. Dementia is subtle and sneaky at first, but when it starts settling in, it comes with noticeable signs, ones you can catch early if you’re paying attention.
Sidenote: I’ve always shaken my head at the various depictions of dementia in modern media, but the one show that stands out to me in terms of how accurately it portrayed the symptoms is, surprisingly, a horror TV show called Castle Rock based on Stephen King’s expanded literary universe. Now, I’m not recommending that you watch it if you’ve got a weak stomach, but I’m also not saying that you shouldn’t. Wink, wink.
The Warning Signs: What Should You Look Out For?
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Let’s tackle the most obvious one first. Forgetting appointments now and again isn’t necessarily dementia as much as it is being human. But dementia-related memory loss looks different. It’s about repeatedly forgetting recently learned information or important dates like doctor’s appointments or birthdays. If you find yourself increasingly reliant on family members, alarms, or reminders for basic tasks you previously handled easily, that’s something to pay attention to.
Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Managing bills or balancing your checkbook was routine. Suddenly, it’s like deciphering hieroglyphics. Dementia impacts cognitive abilities, and one of the first to go can be executive functioning—those skills that help you plan, organize, and complete tasks. If you’re noticing numbers aren’t making sense the way they used to, or you struggle following a familiar recipe, this could be an early sign.
Confusion About Time or Place
Everyone forgets what day of the week it is occasionally, that’s retirement! But dementia-related confusion is deeper, more persistent. It might involve losing track of dates, seasons, or even forgetting how you arrived somewhere. Maybe you’ve driven to a familiar grocery store but suddenly feel unsure of your surroundings. Moments like these, especially if they recur, deserve attention.
Misplacing Things and Trouble Retracing Steps
We’ve all spent half a morning looking for a misplaced TV remote, only to find it nestled comfortably in the fridge next to the yogurt. With dementia, misplacing things becomes a regular event, and retracing your steps gets harder. Items might show up in unusual places, and you genuinely can’t remember putting them there.
New Problems with Speaking or Writing
Sometimes dementia affects language. You might notice you’re having trouble joining or following a conversation, or you keep pausing mid-sentence, unable to find the right word. Communication, which used to flow naturally, feels a bit like trying to thread a needle while wearing oven mitts, awkward and frustrating.
Changes in Mood, Personality, or Behavior
If your usually calm and collected self suddenly becomes irritable, anxious, withdrawn, or suspicious for no apparent reason, this shift could signal early dementia. Often, the frustration from memory loss or confusion contributes to these changes. They’re understandable responses to feeling out-of-sorts, but noticing them early can make a significant difference.
What Can Seniors Do When They Spot These Early Signs?
Noticing signs of dementia, and that too at an early stage, is a call to action. There’s a surprising amount you can do, especially early on, to manage symptoms, retain independence, and even slow progression.
First, Have an Honest Chat with Your Doctor
Make an appointment, yes, even if you dread it. The sooner dementia is identified, the more effective interventions can be. Your doctor can run cognitive assessments, check medications (since sometimes symptoms mimic dementia due to side-effects or interactions), and recommend specialists for further evaluation if necessary.
Keep Active—Physically and Mentally
Exercise is excellent both for your body and your mind, and here, in this blog, we’re big on both. A brisk walk, swimming, yoga—anything that gets your heart pumping boosts blood flow to your brain. And the brain needs blood flow the way your morning coffee needs caffeine. Cognitive exercises help too—crosswords, Sudoku, reading, puzzles, or even learning a new skill (you’re never too old to finally learn to play that guitar gathering dust in the closet).
Stay Socially Connected
Isolation can accelerate cognitive decline. Humans are inherently social creatures—we need interaction to thrive. Even if your circle has shrunk over the years, joining clubs, attending community events, or simply meeting friends for lunch can improve mental sharpness and mood. If getting out isn’t always feasible, video chats with grandkids or friends can still provide meaningful connections.
Review and Simplify Medications
As a pharmacist, I can’t emphasize this enough. Many older adults juggle a long list of medications. Sometimes these meds, or their interactions, contribute to confusion or cognitive fog. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure each prescription is truly necessary and optimized for your current health needs.
Establish Routines and Stay Organized
Routines are a senior’s best friend when it comes to memory issues. Regular daily activities—waking up, meals, bedtime—create predictable patterns, easing stress on your cognitive resources. Use planners, calendars, or phone reminders to keep track of appointments and daily tasks. Label drawers and cabinets if it helps you find things easily.
Diet Matters (Sadly, Sugar Cookies Don’t Count)
Nutrition impacts cognition significantly. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and healthy fats can support brain health. I’m not saying never indulge, just maybe balance that cookie habit with leafy greens once in a while. Diet alone won’t stop dementia, but healthy eating does support overall cognitive functioning.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Facing dementia isn’t easy, but ignoring it makes life harder in the long run. Consider speaking with a trusted family member or close friend about your concerns. Plan financially, legally, and medically. Advance directives, powers of attorney, and health care proxies aren’t fun topics, but clarity around your preferences ensures your voice is heard, no matter what the future brings.
A Quick Reality Check (Because We All Need It)
Dementia is scary, and it’s perfectly normal to feel uneasy talking about it. But ignoring signs only delays beneficial intervention. My years in elder care have shown me this clearly: seniors who tackle dementia openly, honestly, and proactively enjoy a much higher quality of life.
So pay attention, stay vigilant, but don’t let anxiety overwhelm you. Dementia doesn’t define you. With early action, good advice, a touch of humor, and the right supports, seniors can continue thriving, staying sharp, and savoring all the joys retirement years offer.
You’re never alone in this. Remember, knowledge and preparation remain your strongest allies.
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Hi Alison,
Yes dementia is sneaky. I’m a witness to what happens to my mother and find it terrible. This scares me at a point that I become parano for myself and become anxious about it. Regarding the post-it, I found a lot in her apartment the first times. She was even collecting her grocery bills putting them in an envelope she sealed. Now she forgot her life and I had to place her in residence. She don’t understand what happens to her but doesn’t seem to worry about it and that sounds like a good thing. Thanks for posting this, it keeps us informed and gives hope.
Have a good day!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this—it’s incredibly hard to watch a loved one go through something like dementia. I’m glad the post helped in some way, and it’s comforting to hear that your mom isn’t too worried, even though it’s such a difficult situation. Sending you strength and hope as you navigate this. Take care, and thank you for sharing your experience and please reach out if you have any questions through the process.
This is such an eye-opening and well-written post! You’ve tackled a tough topic with the perfect balance of honesty, warmth, and humor. My nan suffered and I didn’t cope very well. I was only young but I did find it difficult. Early detection really does make a huge difference. Thanks for sharing this important info in such a relatable way!
Aw, thank you! That seriously means a lot to me. I can’t even imagine how tough that must’ve been for you, especially when you were so young. It’s totally normal to struggle with something like that. You’re spot on—early detection really does make a huge difference. I’m so glad this post hit home for you. I really appreciate you opening up about it.
Hi Alison,
Now that my mom is getting older, I’ve started noticing a few signs of short-term memory loss, and honestly, it scares me. I don’t want to upset her, but I know it’s something that needs to be addressed and looked at. It’s so helpful to read about early signs and ways to stay proactive. I’ll definitely be taking your advice and having an honest conversation with her doctor. Thank you for sharing this! It’s such an important topic and a great reminder to stay vigilant while still being supportive.
Meredith
Hi Meredith, I hear you—it’s tough to notice those changes in someone you love, and it makes sense that you’re feeling scared. It’s great that you’re thinking ahead and approaching this with care and support. Having that conversation with her doctor is such an important step, and she’s lucky to have you looking out for her. Wishing you strength and clarity as you navigate this—you’re not alone. 💙
Thank you for this list of signs to look out for! I know many people who have or have had dementia, and as I get older, I’m getting more paranoid when I forget a word or what I was looking for. This list reassures me I’m okay now and gives me the peace of mind that I’ll know when to be concerned if dementia does happen to me or a loved one.
I hear you! It’s so easy to worry when we forget little things, but I’m really glad this list gave you some peace of mind. Normal forgetfulness happens to all of us, but knowing what to watch for can make a big difference. You’re already staying informed and aware, which is huge—wishing you all the best! 💙
Alison, thank you for this post—it really hit home for me. My father recently passed away after living with dementia, and so much of what you described felt very familiar. We noticed the signs slowly—forgetting where he was, repeating stories, getting frustrated over simple tasks—and by the time we understood what was happening, it had already taken a toll. I wish we’d known more about early detection and how to support him better from the start. I do believe that when it’s your time, it’s your time. This kind of honest information is so important for families like mine. Thank you, Atif
Atif, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing a bit of your father’s story—I can only imagine how difficult that journey must have been for you and your family. It’s heartbreaking how often the signs aren’t clear until much later, and I completely understand wishing you had known more sooner. Conversations like this are so important, and I truly appreciate you being part of it. I hope his memory brings you comfort. Sending you warmth and gratitude.
Hi Alison – This is such an important topic and I’m glad you have addressed it in the manner that you have. As I get older, this is not only a concern for me, but a concern for those around me and for those that I love. This topic is real and I am so happy to have read your thoughts for a bigger understanding and recognition of the symptoms as well as how to stay engaged and hopefully slow the progression down should it happen to me or those in my circle. Thank you, Allison!
I’m really glad the post resonated with you. Staying informed and engaged is huge, and it means a lot that you found this helpful. Appreciate you taking the time to share!