A vast majority of Americans want to know if they have Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms appear, according to a report from the Alzheimer’s Association. If you’re concerned about possible symptoms of dementia — whether for yourself or a loved one — it can help to understand what the true early warning signs look like.

Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease generally involve memory problems, language and reasoning issues, or disorientation.

Here are some of the most common early warning signs that healthcare professionals look for, along with steps you can take if you notice them in yourself or a loved one.

What Are the Most Common Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s?

Potential early warning signs include:

• Forgetting recent events
• Not recognizing familiar people
• Forgetting the names of friends and family members
• Difficulty learning new information
• Having trouble with spatial relationships (for example, climbing stairs or judging distance)
• Asking the same questions repetitively
• Difficulty managing familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed
• Becoming confused about where you are, even in familiar places
• Being unable to follow a conversation or find the right word
• Having difficulty managing money or paying for items in stores
• Experiencing mood or personality changes, such as withdrawing from usual activities
• Feeling confused about time and place

One member of myALZteam shared, “Today I totally forgot that I was supposed to take my grandson to work. I made excuses and told him I lost track of time. This is not how I thought things would be at 60.”

Another member said about their husband, “He has forgotten so much from the past 10 years. He has forgotten how to spell, where we keep things in the home, and directions to local eateries that we have been to many times.”

Is Mild Cognitive Impairment an Early Warning Sign of Alzheimer’s?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves mild problems with thinking and memory. It usually doesn’t interfere with a person’s ability to manage their daily routines. It’s important to know that MCI is different from normal forgetfulness that can become more common as you age.

MCI sometimes progresses to dementia, but not always. Having MCI doesn’t guarantee that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Talk with your doctor about your personal health and risk factors to better understand your situation.

Early Warning Signs of Other Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, making up 60 percent to 80 percent of all dementia cases. However, there are many other types of dementia. Each type may show early warning signs that are different from those seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Below are examples of other dementia types and their early symptoms.

Vascular Dementia

Early warning signs for this second-most common type of dementia can include:

• Strokelike symptoms, such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• A change in gait or difficulty walking
• Reduced attention span or difficulty thinking clearly
• Mood changes or heightened emotions

Memory loss isn’t always an early symptom of vascular dementia.

Dementia With Lewy Bodies

People living with this type of dementia may experience symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s, but early signs can also include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Periods of fluctuating alertness
• Changing levels of confusion
• Visual hallucinations
• Falling repeatedly
• Fainting

Frontotemporal Dementia

Unlike Alzheimer’s, frontotemportal dementia is most often diagnosed in people between ages 45 and 65. Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:

• Personality changes, such as seeming more cold or distant
• Difficulties with language, both understanding and finding words
• Developing obsessions, including for certain foods and other things
• Eating or drinking excessively
• Inappropriate social behavior

Mixed Dementia

It’s possible to have symptoms that are typical of more than one form of dementia. Research studies involving autopsies of people over age 80 with dementia have shown that many had a combination of causes, known as “mixed dementia.”

What Is the Average Age When Dementia Starts?

Dementia isn’t a normal part of aging, but it becomes more common as people get older. Alzheimer’s disease is most often diagnosed after 65, and the number of people diagnosed increases with age. In the U.S., around 5 percent of adults ages 65 to 74 have Alzheimer’s, while over 33 percent of adults over 85 are living with the disease.

It can be hard to pinpoint an exact average age when Alzheimer’s starts, for several reasons. One reason is that diagnosis doesn't always happen right when symptoms begin. However, some studies suggest that Alzheimer’s disease most often starts in the early to mid 70s.

How Early Can Signs of Dementia Start?

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease — diagnosed before age 65 — is much less common than late-onset Alzheimer’s. Also known as younger-onset Alzheimer’s, early-onset Alzheimer’s is usually diagnosed in people in their 40s and 50s. In rare cases, it can appear as early as a person’s 30s.

What Other Conditions Mimic Dementia’s Early Warning Signs?

Even if you notice some of the potential warning signs of dementia, it may not be Alzheimer’s. Several disorders may produce similar symptoms, including:

• Brain tumors
• Chronic (long-term) alcohol abuse
• Depression
• Hormonal disorders
• Infections (such as a urinary tract infection)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Strokes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Traumatic brain injuries

Although it’s easy to jump to conclusions, it’s important to remember that only a healthcare professional can diagnose Alzheimer’s or other conditions that may be responsible for cognitive changes.

Documenting symptoms and meeting with a healthcare provider can help you identify the root of the problem and start taking steps to address your symptoms.

What You Can Do

If you or someone you love is starting to show signs of dementia, it’s important to take action now. An early diagnosis provides the best opportunity to address underlying issues and prevent dangerous situations, such as getting lost or injuring yourself. Early treatment for Alzheimer’s disease may also help slow its progression.

Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor for an initial evaluation. This may include lab testing, a physical exam, and a review of your medical history. Depending on the results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, for additional cognitive and imaging tests.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, people share their experiences with Alzheimer’s, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you noticed early signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one? Let others know in the comments below.