Managing blood pressure
Controlling diabetes
Avoiding smoking
Staying physically active
Maintaining social connections
Treating hearing loss
Sleeping adequately
Eating a balanced diet
Staying mentally active
Limiting excessive alcohol use
These habits also benefit cardiovascular and overall health.
The Bottom Line
The 10 early signs to watch for include:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Trouble completing familiar tasks
Confusion about time or place
Problems with words or conversation
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Poor judgment
Withdrawal from activities
Mood or personality changes
Visual or spatial difficulties
One isolated symptom does not prove dementia.
What matters most is a pattern of progressive changes that interfere with everyday life.
If you or someone close to you is showing several of these signs, getting evaluated early can help identify the cause and determine the right next steps.
