Dementia may begin with symptoms beyond memory loss, global analysis finds

Early signs of dementia may involve changes in vision, movement, speech, smell and behavior rather than the memory problems commonly associated with the condition, according to a global analysis published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

The analysis examined data from more than 30,000 patients and found that obtaining a formal diagnosis can take an average of 3.5 to four years after the first symptoms appear.

Researchers point to several possible early warning signs that families and healthcare professionals may overlook:

1. Visual difficulties: Changes in visual processing may appear before noticeable memory problems in some forms of dementia.
2. Changes in walking and balance: Unexplained stumbling, dragging the feet and difficulties with coordination may be associated with neurological decline.
3. Apraxia: Difficulty performing familiar, coordinated movements despite having normal muscle strength. A person may recognize an object but struggle to carry out the actions needed to use it.
4. Changes in the voice: Research has explored whether alterations in voice patterns could help identify early cognitive decline. However, the relationship is still being investigated.
5. Loss of smell: A declining ability to recognize familiar odors has been associated with changes in brain regions involved in memory and smell.
6. Mood and personality changes: A person may develop apathy, irritability, reduced motivation or changes in social behavior.
7. Difficulty managing everyday purchases: Problems calculating change, organizing shopping or finding familiar products may reflect changes in cognitive abilities.
8. Language difficulties: Losing vocabulary, using incorrect words or struggling to follow conversations may be signs of cognitive impairment.
9. Disorientation: Repeated confusion about time, familiar places or surroundings can also be an early warning sign.

Experts emphasize that these symptoms do not necessarily indicate dementia and may have other causes. Persistent or progressive changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The findings highlight the importance of recognizing that dementia can affect several areas of functioning, not only memory.