Health
Early Dementia Signs Often Missed for Years
Health Points
- Dementia can take up to 3.5 years or more to be diagnosed after the first symptoms appear, delaying crucial support and care.
- Early signs may mimic normal aging, making it difficult for individuals and healthcare providers to spot dementia in its initial stages.
- Prompt diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help slow cognitive decline and allow families time to plan for the future.
Recognizing the early symptoms of dementia remains a challenge for many people, especially since the changes can resemble normal aging. New research reveals it often takes more than three years from the first signs before a diagnosis is made. For those experiencing symptoms before age 65, the wait can be even longer, averaging just over four years.
“Many people and their families ‘may be living with uncertainty, and without access to the support, care, and planning resources they need,'” shares Dr. Vasiliki Orgeta, a senior study author and associate professor of psychiatry at University College London in England. The findings underline how essential it is to boost awareness and give healthcare providers better tools to identify dementia sooner.
It’s not uncommon for diagnosis to be delayed, particularly in younger adults who may not fit the typical profile for dementia. Dr. David Reuben, director of the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program, notes, “People who are younger and have atypical presentations often tell me they spent five years trying to find out what was wrong with them.”
Why the lengthy delay? Many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, are strongly linked to aging. “At ages 65 to 70, Alzheimer’s affects about 3.5 percent of the population… But once you get to age 90, it’s almost one-third of the population,” says Dr. Reuben, stressing that subtle memory issues in middle age aren’t always immediately recognized as signs of a bigger problem.
Early indicators—such as memory troubles, difficulty with common words, confusion in familiar places, and problems handling usual tasks—are typically seen after 65. However, Dr. Orgeta points out that some may experience symptoms in their forties or fifties. “Some people may also show changes in mood or behavior,” she adds.
So how can you tell normal forgetfulness apart from early dementia? According to Dr. Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, assistant professor of psychiatry and neurology at Yale School of Medicine, “This is a commonly asked question by patients and loved ones. It can often be challenging to recognize, especially in the early stages of dementia. Occasional forgetfulness can be part of normal aging.”
Routine screening may help, though subtle symptoms can still be missed. Dr. Stephanie Towns, a neuropsychologist at Yale, suggests, “The best way to know for sure is to get a neuropsychological evaluation in which the individual’s cognitive abilities are measured against what is normal for people of their age and education level.”
What’s the value of a timely diagnosis? “We know now that people with normal cognition, who eat a healthy diet, get a significant amount of exercise, are cognitively and socially engaged, and who control their blood pressure can delay cognitive decline,” says Dr. Maryjo Cleveland, an Alzheimer’s researcher and dementia specialist. New FDA-approved medications are now available for people in the earliest stages, making early identification more important than ever. “People who get a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s may be eligible for the new anti-amyloid treatments that can delay the progression of the disease,” she explains, referencing drugs like Kisunla (donanemab) and Leqembi (lecanemab).
Just as significant, early diagnosis gives families more time to make arrangements for the future. Dr. Reuben reflects, “This can include financial planning and might include planning for what kind of care you’d want at the end of your life — perhaps most importantly, identifying somebody who can speak for you if you progress to the point where you can’t speak on your own behalf.”
If you notice symptoms in yourself or a loved one, experts recommend bringing it up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. “Talk to your doctor about addressing any known reversible causes of cognitive decline — the most common being sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain,” says Dr. Towns. Dr. Cleveland advises, “Ask your primary care doctor about how to get a memory evaluation. Some [doctors] may feel comfortable doing that themselves, while others may make a referral.”
“Time is brain — so don’t wait,” Dr. Cleveland urges. Taking action early can make all the difference for maintaining independence, getting support, and planning ahead.