What Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia?

Man with dementia staring out the window

Recognizing dementia early can make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. Although many people only associate dementia with memory loss, it also affects thinking, mood and daily functioning. As such, if you can understand and recognize the early signs, it opens up opportunities to seek support and try effective treatments, such as our Microdose Therapy™, before symptoms progress.

Subtle Cognitive Changes to Watch For

One of the first indicators of dementia is difficulty remembering recent events. While occasional forgetfulness is common, frequent lapses, such as misplacing items or forgetting important dates, may signal a deeper issue. Individuals may also begin struggling with problem-solving, decision-making, or following familiar routines. For example, tasks like cooking a favorite recipe or balancing a checkbook may suddenly become overwhelming.

Another early sign is trouble with communication. A person may forget common words, repeat themselves often, or lose their train of thought mid-conversation. These changes may seem minor at first, but when they begin to interfere with daily interactions, it’s important to pay attention.

Shifts in Mood and Daily Behavior

Beyond memory, dementia often brings changes in mood, personality, and social behavior. Someone who was once outgoing may withdraw from social activities, while others may experience increased irritability, depression, or anxiety. Difficulty in judging situations and responding appropriately can also appear in the early stages.

It’s also common for persons with dementia to not recognize familiar people and places, and this can cause stress for all involved.

How The Helen Foundation Can Help

The Helen Foundation uses our Microdose Therapy™ to help our patients experiencing symptoms of dementia. It is based on carefully guided self-administration of cortisol, as patients only use it on the days it is needed. This method is not only safe but has demonstrated an average of 69% improvement in dementia symptoms, according to our 2019 published study. Many patients report noticeable results within just three weeks, with no significant side effects.

If you believe that you or a loved one may be showing the early warning signs of dementia, now is the time to act. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of Microdose Therapy™.