Sign 5: Word-Finding Struggles
Pausing mid-sentence, grasping for words? Aphasia can signal early dementia, per a 2022 Cognitive Science study. Clara called a spoon “that thing.” Her halting speech puzzled friends. “Normal aging?” Less so if frequent. The next sign scrambles time.
Sign 6: Disorientation to Time or Place
Mixing up days or getting lost nearby? Early dementia may blur time and spatial awareness. Studies note this in preclinical stages. Clara arrived hours early for church. That confused glance at a clock? Notable. Social withdrawal follows.
Sign 7: Withdrawal from Social Activities
Skipping book club or family dinners? Dementia can sap interest in socializing, per Gerontology research. Clara avoided her knitting group, feeling overwhelmed. Her quiet retreat worried loved ones. “Just tired?” Look deeper. The next one’s about vision.
Sign 8: Visual-Spatial Issues
Misjudging distances while parking? Posterior cortical atrophy, an early dementia sign, affects spatial perception. A 2023 study links it to Alzheimer’s variants. Clara bumped tables often. That clumsy misstep? A clue. The final early sign involves judgment.
Sign 9: Poor Decision-Making
Giving odd gifts or overspending? Impaired judgment can emerge early, per Neurology findings. Clara bought unneeded gadgets impulsively. Her family raised eyebrows. “Out of character?” It might be. Now, let’s shift to the classic symptoms.
13 Classic Symptoms of Dementia
A Family’s Wake-Up Call
Tom, 72, a retired mechanic, started forgetting his grandkids’ names. His wife noticed more—confusion, agitation. Classic dementia symptoms, unlike early signs, are stark, often signaling progression. A 2024 Alzheimer’s & Dementia study outlines these as diagnostic hallmarks. Tom’s blank stares grew frequent. Let’s break them down.
