The earlier dementia is detected, the easier it is to act. The problem is that the first signs are subtle, and we often dismiss them as simple forgetfulness or the natural passage of time. These are the three signs that deserve attention, and the third one surprises almost everyone.
Sign #1: Difficulty Finding Words
We have all had that feeling of having a word on the tip of our tongue. But when this happens frequently, in the middle of everyday conversations, with the names of people close to us, or with words we use all the time, it may be an early sign of cognitive decline. The Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging identify subtle changes in speech as one of the first indicators of Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain. The reason is biological: neuronal damage in the early stages affects language regions before impacting other functions.
Sign #2: Frequently Misplacing Objects
Losing your keys once is normal. Finding them in the freezer is not. A study published in Science Direct notes that placing objects in unusual locations and being unable to mentally retrace the steps to find them is one of the most consistent early warning indicators of Alzheimer's. The key difference from ordinary forgetfulness is the inability to reconstruct the journey: a person without cognitive decline can mentally trace where they left something, someone in the early stages of dementia simply cannot.
Sign #3: Poor Financial Decisions (This One Surprises Almost Everyone)
This is the sign most frequently overlooked because it tends to be attributed to other factors. A study published in PMC found that difficulties managing finances, paying bills, falling victim to scams, or making impulsive financial decisions can precede a formal Alzheimer's diagnosis by years. The National Institute on Aging confirmed that delays in mortgage and credit card payments may signal early cognitive decline. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and decision-making, is one of the first areas affected.
What to Do If You Recognize Any of These Signs?
The most important thing is not to ignore or minimize them. The earlier they are evaluated and addressed, the more options are available. Together with my partner Dr. Josh Helman, a Harvard-trained physician, we run Brain Power Clinics in Florida, a clinic specialized in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these signs, you can learn more about our approach here.
👉 Learn more about Brain Power Clinics at brainpowerclinics.com
