When most people think about the early signs of dementia, memory loss is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s more to it. Changes in the way a person behaves, interacts with others, or responds to everyday situations can also be important warning signs. In fact, you’ll likely notice changes in behavior—like anxiety and irritability—before any memory issues become obvious.
That doesn’t mean every personality or mood change is a sign of dementia. Stress, depression, medications, sleep problems and other health conditions can all affect someone’s behavior. But if a person begins acting noticeably differently from their usual self and the change persists, experts say it’s worth paying attention to.
Here are a few of the most common warning signs.
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1. Losing Interest In Things They Used To Love
A person who suddenly loses interest in their favorite hobbies, social activities or other things they once enjoyed could be experiencing apathy, which is associated with dementia. According to Healthline, apathy is a common symptom of early dementia, and a person may "lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy." The National Institute on Aging also lists "acting depressed or not interested in things" among behavioral changes that can occur with Alzheimer's disease.
There is research behind this connection, too. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry found that apathy was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The researchers concluded that apathy "deserves more attention" as a potential marker of dementia risk. Still, losing interest in something doesn't necessarily mean a person has dementia, as depression and other health conditions can also cause apathy.
2. Becoming More Irritable Or Easily Agitated
Another possible behavioral warning sign is a noticeable change in temperament. If you notice that someone who was previously easygoing and patient is now frequently angry or agitated, this could be a sign of dementia. The National Institute on Aging lists "getting upset, worried, and angry more easily" as one of the behavior changes that can occur with Alzheimer's disease. Healthline similarly reports that dementia can cause personality and behavioral changes including "worry or agitation" and anger.
A Healthline report on Alzheimer's-related aggression notes that people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's may become "more impatient and less 'filtered' in the things they say and do." They might make inappropriate comments or hurtful accusations to people they have previously been kind to. But remember: a sudden increase in irritability isn't automatically a sign of dementia. The NIA notes that pain, lack of sleep, stress, anxiety and other health problems can also contribute to behavioral changes.
3. Acting More Impulsively Or Losing Their Social Filter
Some types of dementia can cause a person to become unusually impulsive or behave in socially inappropriate ways. For example, someone may suddenly make offensive comments they previously would have kept to themselves, disregard normal social boundaries, make risky decisions or behave in ways that seem completely unlike them. The National Institute on Aging lists impulsive behavior among symptoms that can occur with Alzheimer's disease, while Healthline lists "socially inappropriate or impulsive behaviors" and "lack of inhibition" among symptoms associated with frontotemporal dementia.
This is a sign of behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia, in particular. This is a type of dementia that causes changes in personality and behavior. A review published in Frontiers in Neurology explains that the condition is primarily characterized by changes in "behavior, personality, and language," with disinhibition being one of its core symptoms. An occasional impulsive move doesn't necessarily point to dementia, though.
4. Becoming Much More Anxious, Fearful Or Suspicious
Anxiety is another major change in behavior linked to dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, common behavioral changes associated with Alzheimer's include "showing signs of anxiety or fear" and "feeling suspicious of or threatened by others, for little or no reason." Healthline similarly notes that people with early dementia may become "more fearful or anxious than they were before."
Suspiciousness is another red flag to watch for. The NIA notes that a person may hide things or believe other people are hiding things from them, or feel threatened by others without an obvious reason. These symptoms can have many other causes, but when anxiety, fear or suspiciousness represents a significant change from someone's normal personality—especially alongside memory or thinking problems—it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
When Should You Talk To A Doctor?
One instance of irritability, anxiety or withdrawal doesn't mean someone has dementia. But persistent or worsening changes in personality or behavior is reason to play close attention. These signs should especially be taken seriously if they show up alongside memory problems, confusion, difficulty communicating, or changes in judgment.
The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that behavioral changes can have causes other than dementia, including pain, lack of sleep, problems with hearing or vision, stress and anxiety. If you've noticed a significant change in someone's behavior, keeping track of when it started, how often it happens and how different it is from their usual personality can give a healthcare professional useful information.
