Five Early Signs of Dementia Identified, Including Driving Difficulties

Recognizing early warning signs of dementia is crucial for enabling timely diagnosis, which allows for preventive measures that may delay the onset of severe symptoms and help patients maintain a better quality of life.

The Alzheimer’s Society in Britain stated, "There is currently no cure for dementia, but identifying early signs and symptoms remains extremely important." The organization added that with promising results emerging from clinical trials, early and accurate diagnosis will be essential to determine which patients qualify for preventive treatments once available.

They also emphasized the importance of supporting patients to live dignified lives with dementia, even in the absence of medications that slow disease progression.

According to a report published by the New York Times and reviewed by Al Arabiya.net, there are five common early symptoms that can be easily observed and may indicate the onset of dementia-related diseases, including the most prevalent form, Alzheimer’s disease.

The report notes that memory loss is among the most frequent symptoms associated with dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. While this is a significant indicator of a problem, it is not the only early warning sign to watch for.

In fact, several other critical indicators of dementia are often overlooked despite their potential importance for early diagnosis. Although many of these symptoms can be attributed to isolated incidents or other causes, they should not be disregarded.

The five early symptoms outlined are as follows:

First, personality changes. A study by Angelina Sutin, a behavioral science professor at Florida State University, found that individuals with dementia often exhibit personality shifts before cognitive decline becomes apparent. These changes include reductions in extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, which tend to accelerate as the disease advances. Such behavioral shifts may manifest as social withdrawal or a shrinking social circle.

Second, difficulty driving. Ganesh Babulal, a neurology professor at Washington University in St. Louis, explains that problems with driving can be among the earliest signs of cognitive decline, sometimes appearing years before other symptoms. Driving relies on multiple cognitive systems, and impairments in these can increase accident risk. While age-related physical issues like poor vision or medication side effects may contribute, it is important to monitor these changes closely.

Third, loss of the sense of smell. This symptom is an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The olfactory system, responsible for the sense of smell, often suffers damage years or even decades before other symptoms emerge.

Fourth, sleep difficulties. Sleep disturbances are common in aging, but notable changes—such as waking up at 3 a.m. or struggling to stay awake during the day—may signal dementia. Brain regions that regulate sleep, including the brainstem, are among the first affected in Alzheimer’s disease, causing sleep problems years before memory issues arise.

Fifth, financial difficulties. While financial problems are widespread and can have various causes, when they coincide with other cognitive or behavioral changes, they may serve as an early sign of dementia.