As we get older, occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. However, certain changes in behavior, daily routines, and cognitive abilities may point to something more serious. Early signs of dementia aren’t always obvious, and some can easily be mistaken for typical age-related changes. Neurologist Dr. Betsy Grunc highlights several warning signs worth paying attention to, including unusual sleep disturbances and unexpected driving difficulties. Here are three potential red flags that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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1. Significant Sleep Changes
Sleep patterns naturally change with age, but dramatic shifts could be a red flag.
Dr. Grunch notes that some people with early dementia begin waking up extremely early, such as 3 a.m., or experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite getting enough rest. These changes may occur because some of the brain regions responsible for regulating sleep are among the first areas affected by Alzheimer's disease.
"Sleep disorders are common as we get older, but dramatic changes in someone's sleep habits can be a sign of dementia," she says.
Researchers have increasingly found connections between sleep quality and brain health, making unusual sleep disturbances something that shouldn't be ignored.
2. Driving Difficulties
Driving is one of the most complex daily activities we perform, requiring memory, attention, reaction time, judgment, and visual processing. Because so many parts of the brain are involved, changes in driving habits can sometimes signal cognitive decline.
Dr. Grunch says warning signs may include frequent fender benders, unexplained scratches on the car, taking turns too aggressively, or braking and accelerating erratically.
Some people may also begin avoiding driving at night or feel uncomfortable driving with passengers. "Driving is actually a really complex behavior," she notes. "Changes in one's cognition can be demonstrated in difficulty with driving."
While conversations about driving safety can be challenging, experts emphasize that addressing concerns early can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safer.
3. Changes in Memory and Everyday Thinking
One of the most recognizable early signs of dementia is a noticeable change in memory, particularly when forgetfulness begins interfering with everyday life.
Experts warn that repeatedly forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions, struggling to follow conversations, or having trouble remembering familiar routines may signal cognitive changes. Someone might also increasingly rely on reminders or family members to keep track of appointments and daily responsibilities.
Occasionally misplacing keys or forgetting a name doesn't necessarily indicate dementia. The bigger concern is a persistent pattern of memory problems that is unusual for the person and begins affecting their independence.
