Families often reflect on the months or years before a dementia diagnosis and recognize how many early clues were hiding in plain sight. Those odd moments—forgetting something simple, acting out of character, or seeming confused—didn’t seem important at the time. It’s only later that the full picture becomes clear and they realize these moments were actually early signs of dementia.

These red flags often emerge long before memory loss becomes obvious. They’re subtle enough to blend into daily life, especially when everyone assumes the changes are “just aging.” Knowing what to look for can help families recognize when something more may be happening.

Below are five commonly missed signals that someone’s cognitive health may be changing.

1. Losing Everyday Items in Inconsistent or Odd Places

Occasional forgetfulness is nothing unusual. But finding objects consistently in places where they absolutely do not belong can be a sign of something deeper. Phones tucked into jacket pockets in the closet, eyeglasses inside a kitchen bowl, or keys stored in random drawers—these patterns often appear early in the dementia timeline.

The person may shrug it off or blame others, but the frequency is what makes this concerning. If the searching becomes an everyday event, cognitive changes may be starting.

2. Hearing the Same Question on Repeat

Repeated questions often signal more than simple forgetfulness. A person might repeatedly ask what day it is, when someone is visiting, or what the plan is for tomorrow—even after receiving clear answers.

This happens because the brain is having trouble forming new short-term memories. They aren’t intentionally asking again; they truly don’t recall asking the first time. If this becomes a daily cycle, it is often one of the first clues families notice in hindsight.

3. Becoming Quiet or Avoiding Social Engagement

When someone who was once social begins declining invitations or staying on the sidelines during gatherings, family members may assume they’re tired or simply changing with age. Yet early dementia often affects confidence in social situations.

The person may worry about forgetting names, losing track of the conversation, or saying something that doesn’t make sense. To avoid discomfort, they step away from situations that used to bring joy.

Social withdrawal—especially when sudden—deserves a closer look.

4. Struggling With Familiar Routes or Adapting to New Locations

Navigation challenges can show up earlier than most people expect. The person may require more reminders, hesitate during familiar drives, or rely heavily on others for directions.

These changes may be subtle at first, such as missing a turn or forgetting the layout of a familiar store. When someone moves to a new home, the difficulties often become more pronounced because forming new mental maps becomes harder.

Recognizing these shifts early can help ensure safety.

5. Noticeable Weight Loss Without an Obvious Cause

Weight loss is one of the lesser-known early dementia symptoms, sometimes showing up years before a diagnosis. The individual may forget to eat, lose interest in meals, or avoid cooking because it feels overwhelming.

You may notice fewer groceries in the home, skipped meals, or unfinished food. Even with reassurance that they’re eating well, their routines may suggest otherwise.

Next Steps for Families

If several of these signs are showing up, the next move is to speak with a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can provide answers and help you make informed decisions while planning ahead.

Caregivers also benefit from having dependable support. Dementia care is challenging, and having additional guidance can ease stress while improving safety and quality of life for your loved one.

Our team offers compassionate, dementia-informed care that helps older adults remain safe and supported at home. Whether you’re concerned about early symptoms or managing an established diagnosis, we’re here to help.

Reach out to us at 617-376-3711 to learn more about our in-home dementia care in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and throughout Eastern Massachusetts, with live-in care available in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.