When the word ‘dementia’ is mentioned, the first thing people associate it with is memory loss, forgetting things, people or places. However, there is more to dementia than that. There are many other symptoms of dementia that have less to do with forgetfulness and more to do with general cognitive decline that affects different parts of your body. While memory loss is often associated with dementia in older individuals, young-onset dementia (also known as early-onset dementia) can present differently and develop much earlier, typically between the ages of 30 and 65. Here are symptoms of dementia that are more than just memory loss, according to the Alzheimer Scotland Changes in Movement Dementia can make it harder for people to move around safely. You might notice more slips, trips, or falls. Sometimes, a person might start shuffling their feet instead of lifting them properly when walking, which can be a subtle but important change in how they get around their home or other familiar places. Difficulty Finding Words Someone with dementia might struggle to keep up with conversations or find the right words. They might use a similar but incorrect word, like "jumper" instead of "jacket." This is called aphasia and can even affect their ability to recall names of people they know well, making communication frustrating for them and others. Losing Track of Time Beyond simple forgetfulness, a person with dementia might struggle to tell time, especially on an analog clock. Doctors sometimes use a "Clock Test" where they ask someone to draw clock hands at a specific time. This can help identify early signs, as the brain's ability to interpret and organize time can be impacted. Shifts in Personality or Mood Damage to the brain's frontal lobes, which control focus and emotions, can lead to noticeable changes in someone's personality. People are unique, and dementia affects everyone differently, but if you notice dramatic shifts in behavior that are unlike the person you know, it's important to talk to a doctor. Unexpected Sight Loss In rarer forms of dementia, like Posterior Cortical Atrophy, the part of the brain that processes what we see can be damaged. This can cause vision problems or even sight loss, even if the person's eyes themselves are healthy. It's a complex symptom where the brain struggles to understand visual information. Difficulty with Numbers According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is a noticeable decline in your ability to perform calculations you once found simple is a red flag. For example, a mathematician with young-onset dementia might still be better at math than many people, but they would have lost some of their personal mental math abilities. Missing Steps in Daily Routines People experiencing brain processing issues due to dementia might start to skip steps or do them in the wrong order. For instance, someone might be seen outside in their pajamas because they missed a step in getting ready. This can also affect work, making it difficult to meet deadlines or combine different tasks. What To Do if You Are Concerned? It's important to remember that everyone is different, and symptoms can show up in unique ways. If you're worried about your own memory or think you might have dementia, it's crucial to see a general practitioner. If you're concerned about someone else's memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor, and offer to go with them for support.