Recognising the early warning signs of dementia is vital, as early detection enables families and healthcare professionals to implement measures that can delay the most severe symptoms and help people maintain a better quality of life. The UK's Alzheimer's Society notes that while there is no cure, early and accurate diagnosis is important for future treatments and for supporting people to live well with dementia.
Memory loss is one of the most widely recognised symptoms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. However, a study led by Professor Angelina Sutin at Florida State University found that personality changes often appear before cognitive decline. Decreases in extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness can manifest as social withdrawal or a dwindling social circle, which may be easier to spot than memory loss.
Struggling behind the wheel can be an early indicator of cognitive decline, potentially emerging years before other symptoms, according to Professor Ganesh Babulal of Washington University. Driving involves multiple cognitive systems, and any impairment increases accident risk. While age-related issues like poor vision can also contribute, changes in driving ability warrant attention.
A diminished sense of smell is often an early sign of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The olfactory system can be compromised decades before other symptoms appear. In Alzheimer's, smells may be misinterpreted; in Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies, they are not perceived at all, which could aid early detection.
Sleep disturbances are common in older age, but drastic changes such as waking at 3 a.m. or struggling to stay awake during the day could signal dementia. Areas of the brain that regulate sleep are among the first affected in Alzheimer's, causing disruptions years before memory issues. In some dementias, a REM sleep behaviour disorder may develop, where individuals act out their dreams, often alerting partners to unusual behaviour.
