January 5, 2026 by
It’s amazing how clearly things make sense after a diagnosis. Suddenly, all those unusual moments you shrugged off snap into place. But before anyone has a name for what’s happening, it’s incredibly easy to overlook the signs of early Alzheimer’s or to attribute them to normal aging, fatigue, or an “off” day. After all, everyone forgets things sometimes, right? You’re trying to give someone you love the benefit of the doubt, and you don’t want to read too much into what you’re witnessing.
Yet the earliest signs of dementia often appear in habits that are easy to overlook. Understanding what those early changes can look like can bring clarity and help you get support sooner.
Here are five early dementia signs that often hide in plain sight.
1. Losing Things Constantly (Not Just Occasionally)
Everyone misplaces keys now and then. But when it becomes a daily routine, and especially when items are left in unusual places (keys in the freezer, glasses in the laundry basket, the phone tucked inside a shoe), that’s different. The person may even joke about their forgetfulness, but for many, this pattern turns out to be one of the earliest and easiest-to-miss dementia symptoms.
The difference between normal aging and early cognitive change is consistency. If you find yourself retracing steps with them over and over, or hearing “Someone must have moved it!” more often than not, pay attention. It may be more significant than it seems.
2. Asking the Same Questions Repeatedly
If you’ve ever answered the same question several times within an hour, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But repeated questions, especially ones tied to plans, schedules, or simple details, are another early red flag.
You might hear:
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- “What day are you coming again?”
- “What time is the appointment?”
- “Where did I put my purse?”
Once or twice is normal. But when it happens every day or doesn’t “stick” no matter how gently you remind them, their brain may be struggling to form new memories.
3. Pulling Back From Social Situations
This is one of the most misunderstood early signs of dementia. You might assume Mom or Dad is “just becoming introverted,” “prefers quiet these days,” or “doesn’t feel up for company.” But isolation is very common in the earliest cognitive changes.
Why? Because conversations become harder to follow. Names get lost. Processing speed slows. And for someone who was once social and connected, that confusion can feel embarrassing. Avoiding gatherings becomes a way to cope.
If someone who used to love people suddenly avoids them, it’s worth exploring why.
4. Difficulty Navigating Familiar or New Places
Getting lost isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtly missing turns, needing directions to places they’ve been many times, or relying heavily on GPS for simple routes.
For many caregivers, this sign only becomes obvious in hindsight. Trouble with spatial awareness or retracing familiar paths can begin long before an official diagnosis.
Moving to a new home or city can make the struggle even more visible. What looks like trouble “adjusting” may actually be difficulty forming new mental maps.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
You might attribute gradual weight loss to aging, decreased appetite, or stress. But research shows that weight loss often begins years before a dementia diagnosis, sometimes up to a decade earlier.
Why does it happen? Early dementia can disrupt hunger cues, cause forgetfulness around eating, or make cooking feel overwhelming. If your loved one seems thinner but insists they’re “fine,” take note. It may be a sign that their brain is changing long before memory issues become obvious.
What You Can Do Now
If these signs feel familiar, it may be time to talk with a doctor. Early evaluation can open the door to treatments and support. It can also give your family time to plan, adjust, and find the right care.
And, finding support for yourself is equally important. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is overwhelming at times, and not something to tackle alone.
At At Home Independent Living, we’re here to help older adults stay safe, engaged, and supported at home, and to give families the reassurance they need. If someone you love is showing early signs of dementia or has already been diagnosed, we’d be honored to walk this journey with you.
Call (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn how our dementia-informed care in Camillus, Salina, Syracuse, and throughout Central New York can help.