Cognitive decline is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. You slowly forget usual things, precious memories as well as your entire sense of being. Dementia, which is an umbrella term for progressive decline of cognitive function manifests itself in symptoms like decline in memories, thinking, reasoning etc. However, there are signs which can go unnoticed. What Are The two overlook signs of dementia? The two early signs that can easily go overlooked are changes in mood and behavior. These early shifts in mood and behavior can easily be mistaken for just getting older or feeling stressed. However, they are a clear indication of a much dangerous condition-Dementia. Specifically, feeling down for a long time and increased worry are common early signs of this neurodegenerative condition. People might feel sad or anxious without a clear reason, and this can make it harder for them to do everyday things and interact with others. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, as dementia gets more advanced, you might see more changes in how the person acts. It's important to remember that feeling down or anxious can have many causes. Dementia's Impact on Personality and Habits Dementia can also change how a person usually is and the things they like to do. They might not be able to do their favorite hobbies anymore without help, which can be frustrating. They might also start to feel very sad or lose interest in things which are signs of depression. These changes in their personality and what they can do can lead to changes in how they behave day to day. It's important to remember that these changes are part of how dementia affects the brain. You might see the person doing the same thing over and over, like asking the same question. They might also follow you around a lot or constantly need to check on things. Sometimes, they might hide things, collect things, or lose things more easily. They might also say or do things that seem out of character. Feeling restless or agitated is common, and sometimes this can even lead to aggressive behavior. Some people get more confused and upset in the late afternoon or evening, which is called "sundowning," and their sleep patterns might also change. They might also start to withdraw from social situations. How Does Knowing These Early Signs Help? Recognizing these subtle early signs is crucial because getting help early can lead to better ways to manage dementia. If you notice persistent sadness or anxiety in yourself or someone you know, especially if there are also memory problems or confusion, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional. Trying to understand the reason why they may be experiencing these behavorial changes could help one support their loved ones better. Alzheimer’s Society explains that some reason include: Feeling frustrated or scared about the effects of dementia, like memory loss or trouble speaking.Issues with their overall mental and physical health.Problems with knowing where they are or what time it is, or not recognizing familiar places.How much and how good their interactions with other people are.Their physical surroundings, for example, a dark room might confuse and upset them because they can't see where they are.Feeling like they have no control, being frustrated with how others are acting, or feeling like they aren't being heard or understood.