10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia | Dr. Pavan Sonar Mumbai

Dementia is one of the most feared conditions associated with ageing — and one of the most commonly missed in its early stages. In Mumbai, where awareness of dementia as a medical condition remains limited, many families attribute the early signs of dementia to “normal ageing,” personality changes, or simple forgetfulness — delaying diagnosis and early intervention that could significantly improve quality of life for both patient and family. Dr. Pavan Sonar, a psychiatrist in Mumbai with experience in neuropsychiatric conditions including dementia, outlines the 10 early warning signs you should never ignore.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease — it is an umbrella term for a group of conditions characterised by progressive decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause (accounting for 60–70% of cases), followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. In India, approximately 7.4 million people live with dementia — a figure expected to more than double by 2050 as the population ages.

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

The most recognisable sign — forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events; asking the same question repeatedly; and increasing reliance on memory aids or family members for tasks previously managed independently. Importantly, occasional forgetting where you left your keys is normal. Forgetting the name of a close family member, or forgetting conversations that happened this morning, is not.

2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

People in early dementia struggle with tasks requiring planning and concentration — following a recipe, managing monthly bills, or tracking regular medications. Errors in managing finances (which were previously handled effortlessly) are a common early presentation in Mumbai families.

3. Difficulty With Familiar Tasks

People with early dementia often struggle to complete tasks they have performed routinely for years — driving to a familiar destination, operating familiar appliances, or following the rules of a known card game.

4. Confusion About Time and Place

People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may forget where they are, how they got there, or not recognise why they entered a room. Getting lost in a familiar neighbourhood is a significant warning sign.

5. New Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing

Difficulty finding the right word, stopping mid-sentence without knowing how to continue, calling objects by the wrong name, or struggling to follow a conversation are early language signs of dementia that families often initially attribute to stress or tiredness.

6. Misplacing Things and Inability to Retrace Steps

A person with early dementia may place objects in unusual locations (keys in the refrigerator, spectacles in the bathroom cabinet) and have no memory of doing so. Unlike normal forgetting, they cannot retrace their steps to find the object and may accuse others of stealing.

7. Decreased or Poor Judgment

Major decision-making difficulties — particularly regarding money (large donations to unknown organisations, falling for telephone scams, inappropriate financial generosity) and personal hygiene — are significant early warning signs. Families may notice uncharacteristic judgement lapses in someone who was previously careful and methodical.

8. Withdrawal From Social Activities

A person with dementia may withdraw from hobbies, social events, sports, and family activities — partially because they are aware something is wrong and feel embarrassed, and partially because their interest and initiative have declined. This withdrawal is often the first change family members notice in a previously socially active person.

9. Changes in Mood and Personality

Dementia can cause significant personality and mood changes. People may become confused, suspicious, depressed, anxious, fearful, or more easily upset. A person who was previously calm may become irritable or aggressive when out of their comfort zone. These psychiatric symptoms of dementia require specific management and can be treated.

10. Visual and Spatial Difficulties

Some types of dementia — particularly Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — cause visuospatial difficulties: trouble reading, judging distances, determining colour or contrast, and navigating familiar spaces. This can lead to driving accidents and falls that are mistakenly attributed to age alone.

The Difference Between Dementia and Normal Ageing

Normal ageing involves some slowing of cognitive processing and occasional forgetfulness — forgetting a name but remembering it later, occasionally misplacing an item, or taking longer to recall a word. Dementia involves progressive deterioration that significantly impacts daily life, requires increasing assistance, and gets worse over time. If you are unsure whether changes you are observing in a family member are normal ageing or something more concerning, a psychiatric assessment can provide clarity.

For information on the full range of psychiatric services available in Mumbai for older adults, visit the services page. The homepage has clinic and contact details.

Why Early Dementia Assessment Matters

Currently available dementia treatments do not reverse the condition but can significantly slow its progression and manage symptoms. More importantly, some conditions that mimic dementia — depression (pseudodementia), thyroid disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, normal pressure hydrocephalus — are reversible if identified early. A comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment is essential to distinguish treatable from non-treatable conditions. Family preparation, legal and financial planning, and access to appropriate community support are all facilitated by early diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I be concerned about dementia?

Most dementia develops in people over 65, but younger-onset dementia (before 65) accounts for approximately 5–9% of cases. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can present in people in their 40s and 50s. Age alone does not determine risk — significant cognitive changes at any age warrant evaluation.

Is there any treatment for dementia?

Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine can modestly slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and are approved treatments. The psychiatric symptoms of dementia — agitation, depression, psychosis, sleep disturbance — are actively managed with specific pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Comprehensive management significantly improves quality of life for both patient and caregivers.

Book a Dementia Assessment in Mumbai

If you are concerned about cognitive changes in yourself or a family member in Mumbai, do not wait. Early assessment provides answers, excludes treatable causes, and enables appropriate planning. Dr. Pavan Sonar — MBBS, DNB, DPM — provides expert neuropsychiatric assessments including cognitive evaluation in Mumbai. Recognised among Mumbai’s Best Doctors (Outlook Best Doctors Award).

Call +91 85918 40141 to book. Home visits available for patients who have difficulty travelling.