Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Dementia Is More Than Forgotten Birthdays, Lost Keys: Doctors Explain Early Signs Before Memory Loss

Over 57 million people worldwide live with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a>, causing 36.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and ranking as the seventh leading cause of death. But when it comes to dementia, memory loss is often the first symptom that comes to mind.

While forgetting birthdays or losing keys are commonly considered early warning signs of dementia, this may not always be the case.

Experts say a person can remember every birthday and anniversary and still have dementia.

<h2>What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia?</h2>

“Dementia may not begin with memory loss. It can begin with smell, language, personality or navigation,” Dr Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine resident from Assam, said in a post on the social media platform X.

1. Loss Of Smell: When Coffee Stops Smelling Like Coffee

Dr Priyam noted that loss of smell can be an early sign, but it is often overlooked because it may be attributed to a viral illness, sinus disease, smoking, medicines or a head injury.

“Persistent, unexplained smell loss may also be an early clue to Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies,” he added.

It is not simply an occasional tip-of-the-tongue moment. “In primary progressive aphasia, word-finding, grammar or comprehension may worsen while recent memory stays intact,” Dr Priyam noted.

3. The Family Says, “They Are Not The Same”

Changes in personality or behaviour may sometimes appear before memory problems.

“In behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia, apathy, impulsiveness, loss of empathy or poor judgment may come before memory loss,” Dr Priyam said.

4. A Familiar Route Suddenly Feels New

Families may notice navigation problems even when a person has no obvious memory complaints. “Families ask me, ‘He has driven there for 20 years. How did he get lost?’ When it repeats, I look beyond forgetfulness,” Dr Priyam said.

He noted that visuospatial dysfunction can appear early in dementia with Lewy bodies or posterior cortical atrophy.

<h2>One Odd Symptom Does Not Necessarily Mean Dementia</h2>

Dr Parveen Yograj, a general surgeon from Jammu, added that one unusual symptom alone means little.

"A new, persistent and progressive pattern that disrupts daily life and is noticed by loved ones is what demands attention," he said on X.

Dr Yograj said several lifestyle measures may help protect brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

<ul><li>Exercise Regularly: Regular aerobic exercise along with strength training can boost brain blood flow and build cognitive reserve.</li><li>Follow A Brain-Healthy Diet: A Mediterranean or MIND diet, rich in vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil and fish, can support vascular health.</li><li>Prioritize Good Sleep: Solid sleep helps clear toxic brain waste and supports overall brain health.</li><li>Keep Blood Pressure, Sugar And Cholesterol In Check: Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight can help reduce the risk of vascular dementia.</li><li>Stay Socially And Mentally Active: Stay socially connected and mentally engaged by talking with others, reading, learning new skills and playing games.</li><li>Quit Smoking And Limit Alcohol: Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and treating hearing loss early can also support long-term brain health.</li></ul>“These evidence-backed moves aren’t magic shields, but stacked together they dramatically lower odds and delay decline. Early awareness of these non-memory clues and these daily defenses gives us the strongest chance to keep our brains sharp for decades,” he said.

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Over 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, causing 36.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and ranking as the seventh leading cause of death. But when it comes to dementia, memory loss is often the first symptom that comes to mind.While forgetting birthdays or losing keys are commonly considered early warning signs of dementia, this may not always be the case.Experts say a person can remember every birthday and anniversary and still have dementia.What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia?“Dementia may not begin with memory loss. It can begin with smell, language, personality or navigation,” Dr Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine resident from Assam, said in a post on the social media platform X.1. Loss Of Smell: When Coffee Stops Smelling Like CoffeeDr Priyam noted that loss of smell can be an early sign, but it is often overlooked because it may be attributed to a viral illness, sinus disease, smoking, medicines or a head injury.“Persistent, unexplained smell loss may also be an early clue to Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies,” he added.2. Everyday Words Start DisappearingIt is not simply an occasional tip-of-the-tongue moment. “In primary progressive aphasia, word-finding, grammar or comprehension may worsen while recent memory stays intact,” Dr Priyam noted.3. The Family Says, “They Are Not The Same”Changes in personality or behaviour may sometimes appear before memory problems.“In behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia, apathy, impulsiveness, loss of empathy or poor judgment may come before memory loss,” Dr Priyam said.4. A Familiar Route Suddenly Feels NewFamilies may notice navigation problems even when a person has no obvious memory complaints. “Families ask me, ‘He has driven there for 20 years. How did he get lost?’ When it repeats, I look beyond forgetfulness,” Dr Priyam said. He noted that visuospatial dysfunction can appear early in dementia with Lewy bodies or posterior cortical atrophy.One Odd Symptom Does Not Necessarily Mean DementiaDr Parveen Yograj, a general surgeon from Jammu, added that one unusual symptom alone means little."A new, persistent and progressive pattern that disrupts daily life and is noticed by loved ones is what demands attention," he said on X.How Can Dementia Risk Be Reduced?Dr Yograj said several lifestyle measures may help protect brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.Exercise Regularly: Regular aerobic exercise along with strength training can boost brain blood flow and build cognitive reserve.Follow A Brain-Healthy Diet: A Mediterranean or MIND diet, rich in vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil and fish, can support vascular health.Prioritize Good Sleep: Solid sleep helps clear toxic brain waste and supports overall brain health.Keep Blood Pressure, Sugar And Cholesterol In Check: Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight can help reduce the risk of vascular dementia.Stay Socially And Mentally Active: Stay socially connected and mentally engaged by talking with others, reading, learning new skills and playing games.Quit Smoking And Limit Alcohol: Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and treating hearing loss early can also support long-term brain health.“These evidence-backed moves aren’t magic shields, but stacked together they dramatically lower odds and delay decline. Early awareness of these non-memory clues and these daily defenses gives us the strongest chance to keep our brains sharp for decades,” he said.

dementia is more than forgotten birthdays, lost keys: doctors explain early signs before memory loss

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