The 6 WARNING Signs of Dementia

Dr. Eric Berg 01/17/2025

Have you ever forgotten why you walked into a room or struggled to recall a name? While occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, these can also be early signs of dementia.

It’s crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and knowledge. This post explores these early signs and discusses other factors, like stress, that might cause similar symptoms.

Understanding Dementia and Its Early Manifestations

Dementia isn't a specific disease but a general term for cognitive decline that interferes with daily life. This decline often stems from brain structure atrophy, such as hippocampus shrinkage.

Hippocampus atrophy has been linked to alcohol consumption and carbohydrates in heavier drinkers. Determining the exact cause of early signs progressing to later stages of dementia can be complex. Many interacting factors can contribute.

Memory loss illustration

Six Subtle Early Signs of Dementia

Recognizing dementia's onset is challenging due to its subtle symptoms. These symptoms often overlap with other conditions or normal aging.

Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation, including cognitive testing and consideration of other health topics, by a qualified healthcare professional.

Difficulty with organization and planning: Struggling with tasks or schedules, though not always a primary early sign of dementia, can occur alongside other symptoms. Consider this in conjunction with other potential indicators.
Personality changes: Dementia can affect someone's personality, causing mood swings or emotional fluctuations. Evaluate these changes in relation to the individual's baseline behavior. These shifts may affect social abilities.
Constipation: The connection between gut health and overall well-being suggests constipation could be an early sign of dementia, often linked to changes in blood sugar. However, it could also stem from other physical causes.
Sensory dysfunction: Changes in smell, taste, or even loss of interest can be early signs of dementia. However, other factors, like seasonal allergies or simply changing preferences, can also cause these changes.
Language problems: Difficulty finding words or following conversations can be a sign of dementia, especially if noticeable and persistent.
Navigation issues: Getting lost in familiar places can also suggest dementia. Consider this symptom along with others for a clearer picture.

Seven Strategies to Support Brain Health

If you recognize these early signs of dementia in yourself or a family member, taking proactive steps can make a difference.

However, this information isn't medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Adjustments

Strategy	Description
B1 intake	Consider supplementing with B1 (thiamine), as deficiency may impair hippocampus function. Nutritional yeast is a good natural source. Prioritize natural sources over enriched or fortified versions. Check dementia resources for reliable information on managing finances and other aspects of living with dementia.
Gut health	Improve your gut microbiome through a diverse diet and possibly intermittent fasting. Consider reducing gluten and GMO foods. A healthy gut can positively influence cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
Sprouts	Incorporate sprouts, especially broccoli sprouts rich in sulforaphane, into your diet. Sprouts offer concentrated nutrients that may support brain health.
Ketones	Ketones provide an alternative energy source for the brain. This can be beneficial for people experiencing early signs of dementia, particularly those with difficulty managing finances and other complex tasks requiring abstract thinking.

Supplementation and Other Considerations

Some people find benefits from medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane for reducing nerve inflammation. Adequate Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and Zinc, along with regular exercise and sufficient sleep, are also crucial.

These lifestyle factors are important for both early dementia prevention and overall brain health, whether or not dementia symptoms are present. Stress can cause neuro-pathway problems that may mimic dementia's later stages.

It's crucial to address underlying issues such as nutritional deficiencies (like Zinc), B vitamin levels, and lifestyle factors to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline before diagnosing early-onset dementia.

Consulting with a care professional can help determine the best course of action and provide support services.

Public health initiatives like Dementia Australia offer resources for understanding memory problems and connecting with national dementia helpline support.

Observing behavior is key. Compare current behavior with usual behavior to spot unusual changes that might indicate early dementia.

The "early signs" aren't always easily measurable through tests. Thorough assessments are important. Direct interaction provides context clues that enhance accurate detection.

This holistic approach improves diagnoses and distinguishes true early-onset dementia from other conditions or normal aging. Factors like family history, vascular dementia risks, and blood pressure also influence early diagnosis.

Differentiating early dementia signs from normal aging is important. Subtle memory changes can be due to normal aging or treatable conditions like nutritional deficiencies.

Persistent cognitive issues, however, might indicate young-onset dementia. Seek a healthcare professional's opinion to rule out other potential causes, such as medication side effects.

The Link Between Digestive Health and Cognitive Function

Emerging research suggests a strong connection between gut health and brain function, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system to support cognitive well-being.

Chronic digestive issues, such as constipation, may indirectly impact brain health by contributing to inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.

Incorporating natural constipation remedies like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and consuming probiotics can help improve gut health and potentially support cognitive function.

By addressing digestive imbalances early on, you may reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption, both of which are essential for brain health.

Taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy gut could play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and supporting long-term mental clarity.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early signs of dementia, especially considering how other factors can mimic its symptoms, is crucial for taking proactive steps.

Supporting brain health through lifestyle adjustments and seeking professional help can significantly impact overall well-being and quality of life.

Early detection is essential for effective management of dementia or any other underlying cause.

This understanding empowers individuals and their families to navigate the complexities of dementia and related conditions with greater awareness and support.

By incorporating this understanding, those concerned can make the best possible choices with help from healthcare professionals and improve the health journey for their families.

FAQs about early signs of dementia

What is the first stage of dementia?

The first stage, often called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), involves subtle changes in memory and thinking. Increased forgetfulness, particularly regarding recent events and names, may occur.

MCI can impact judging distance, temporarily misplacing things, and making decisions. Consulting a healthcare professional is vital for evaluating cognitive decline.

At what age can dementia start?

Dementia is more common in older adults but can also affect those under 65. This is known as young-onset dementia, which is less common. Symptoms depend on the specific disease.

Can dementia be treated if caught early?

Currently, there’s no cure for dementia. However, early diagnosis helps manage symptoms, access support services, and implement person-centered care strategies.

Early treatment can also address potentially reversible dementia-like symptoms caused by conditions like nutritional deficiencies.

Conditions such as normal pressure hydrocephalus, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hypothyroidism can cause reversible dementia-like symptoms.

What is the 5-word test?

The “5-word test” isn't a definitive diagnostic tool for dementia on its own. It’s essential to consider a combination of symptoms and medical assessments for a complete diagnosis.