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(By Neha Sinha)

Over the years, in my conversations with families, I’ve often heard a similar pattern: “We thought it was just age… just forgetfulness.” And often, that’s where the delay begins.

Dementia rarely announces itself loudly. It slips in gently, often disguised as everyday ageing. But there are signs, subtle, consistent, and worth noticing. Here are five early changes to watch for:

1. When forgetfulness Goes Beyond Occasional Slips

Everyone forgets things now and then. But it is the kind of memory loss that matters.  Dementia always begins with short-term memory loss, i.e, when a loved one begins forgetting recent events, repeating questions that you have just answered, or significant recent updates. It should be investigated. It is the kind of memory loss that disrupts daily life.

2. When Familiar Tasks Become Unfamiliar

Planning a meal, keeping track of bills, or even following the steps of a favourite recipe may start feeling difficult. When concentration slips and small tasks stretch into long ones, it’s worth taking note.

3. When Time And Place No Longer Feel Steady

One of the most quietly distressing signs is disorientation, not knowing what day it is, forgetting how they got somewhere, or struggling to understand why something’s happening now. Sometimes, it’s coupled with vision or spatial difficulties like struggling to judge distance, or confusing colours, which can affect everything from dressing to driving.

4. When Words Feel Just Out Of Reach

Many of us occasionally forget a word. But when someone begins stopping mid-sentence, substituting words (calling a watch a “hand-clock”), or repeating themselves in conversations they once enjoyed, it could signal more than a memory lapse. If they begin misplacing objects and can't retrace steps or show poor judgment like mismanaging money or skipping hygiene routines, these are important behavioural flags.

5. When The World Starts To Feel Too Much

A parent who used to enjoy social gatherings now avoids them. Someone who loved gardening or watching the news loses interest. Mood changes, unexplained anxiety, fearfulness, or even suspicion, are often misread as irritability or stubbornness. But they might be your first clue that something deeper is shifting.

If you notice these changes in someone you love, don’t panic. But do pay attention. Reach out for professional advice. Early diagnosis is most critical for timely intervention, which can make a world of difference in how the condition is managed long term. Because with dementia, it's not just about memory. It’s about connection, dignity, and ensuring no one walks this journey alone.

Neha Sinha is the Dementia Specialist, CEO & Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care