Dementia isn’t just one thing—it’s a cluster of conditions that slowly erode memory, thinking, and the ability to handle everyday tasks. You’ve probably heard of Alzheimer’s, but there’s also vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, each with its own quirks.
For medical professionals, healthcare workers, and everyday Nigerians, spotting dementia early can feel like chasing a shadow. The signs are subtle, often mistaken for “just getting old.” But here’s the kicker: catching it early can change everything—slowing the disease, preserving independence, and giving families time to prepare.
So, what should you look out for? Let’s walk through ten early signs that might seem small but could signal something bigger. These aren’t just for doctors in white coats; they’re for anyone who’s ever worried about a loved one acting “off.”
1. Memory Lapses That Mess With Daily Life
Forgetting where you parked your car? Normal. Forgetting your sister’s birthday for the first time in years, over and over? That’s different. Early dementia often shows up as repetitive memory gaps—asking the same question five times in an hour or blanking on events that used to be second nature. For healthcare workers, you might notice patients relying heavily on scribbled notes or phone reminders just to get through the day. It’s not just forgetfulness; it’s disruption.
2. Stumbling Over Plans and Problems
You know how some people can whip up a pot of jollof rice without a recipe? Now imagine they suddenly can’t follow the steps. Early dementia can make planning or problem-solving feel like climbing a mountain. Whether it’s balancing a checkbook, organizing a ward round, or planning a family party, the brain starts to fumble. For medical professionals, this might show up as a colleague struggling with patient charts they once handled effortlessly. At home, it’s the uncle who can’t figure out his DSTV bill anymore.
3. Familiar Tasks Turning Foreign
Driving to the market, typing a text, or using the microwave—these are things we do on autopilot. But dementia can make them feel like rocket science. A nurse might notice a patient struggling to use a familiar medical app, or a family member might see their dad fumble with the TV remote he’s used for years. It’s not just distraction; it’s a deeper disconnect.
4. Getting Lost in Time or Place
Ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there? Annoying, but normal. Now imagine not knowing whether it’s morning or night, or standing in your own street, confused about how you got there. This confusion with time or place is a classic early sign. In clinics, patients might repeatedly ask, “What day is today?” or mix up the year entirely. It’s like the brain’s internal GPS starts glitching.
5. Vision and Spatial Hiccups
Dementia doesn’t always scream “memory loss.” Sometimes it’s about seeing the world differently. Reading becomes a chore, judging distances feels impossible, or pouring tea into a cup turns messy. For some, colors or contrasts get jumbled, which can make driving a nightmare. Healthcare workers might notice this when patients struggle to navigate hospital corridors they’ve walked through before.
6. Words That Slip Away
Ever had a word on the tip of your tongue? Frustrating, right? Now picture that happening all the time. Early dementia can make people pause mid-sentence, hunting for words, or swap in odd substitutes—like calling a spoon a “food stick.” Some folks even shy away from conversations because finding the right words feels too hard. For medical staff, this might show up as patients struggling to describe symptoms clearly.
7. Misplacing Things in Weird Places
Keys in the fridge. Phone in the laundry basket. We all lose stuff, but dementia takes it to another level. The real clue? They can’t retrace their steps to find the item. Worse, they might insist someone stole it because their brain can’t piece together the puzzle. Families often notice this before anyone else—those odd moments that make you stop and think, “That’s not normal.”
8. Judgment That’s Off the Rails
Good judgment is like an invisible guide—it keeps us safe and sensible. But dementia can throw it out the window. Someone might start giving money to strangers on the phone or stop bathing regularly, even if they were always particular about their appearance. For healthcare workers, this might look like a patient making risky choices, like ignoring medication schedules. It’s subtle but dangerous.
9. Checking Out of Social Life
You know that auntie who never missed a church service or market gossip? If she suddenly stops showing up, it might not be shyness. Dementia can make social settings overwhelming, so people pull back. They might skip family gatherings, ditch hobbies, or even lose interest in Super Eagles matches they used to love. The brain’s struggling to keep up, and it shows in their absence.
10. Personality Shifts That Don’t Add Up
Dementia doesn’t just steal memories; it can reshape who someone is. A cheerful grandma might turn irritable. A trusting neighbor might start accusing people of plotting against them. Anxiety or sadness can creep in, seemingly out of nowhere. These changes are easy to dismiss as “just aging,” but they’re often the brain’s early cries for help.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Spotting these signs isn’t about playing doctor—it’s about paying attention. Sure, stress or tiredness can mimic some of these, but when they pile up or stick around, it’s time to act. For medical professionals, early detection means better care plans and access to treatments that can slow things down. For families, it’s about preparing for what’s ahead—emotionally, practically, even financially.
Here’s the human side: dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It ripples through families. Imagine the ache of watching your mum forget your name or a teacher lose the spark that made their classroom magic. That’s why community awareness, like those health talks at local churches or markets, is just as vital as a neurologist’s expertise.
A Call to Stay Vigilant
Dementia’s a thief, but it doesn’t have to steal hope. These early signs—memory slips, confusion, or mood shifts—are like whispers warning you something’s wrong. Don’t brush them off. Talk to a doctor. Ask questions. Yes, it’s scary to think about, but catching dementia early can give someone more time to live fully, to laugh, to share stories.
So, if something feels off with a loved one, don’t wait. Notice the patterns. Have that tough conversation. Because when it comes to dementia, time is one of the few things we can still hold onto.
