Fear of Dementia: Do You Know the Signs?

Dementia is one of the most feared diagnoses among older adults and their families. But what if early signs were hiding in plain sight, mistaken for normal aging?

While some memory lapses and forgetfulness can be typical as we grow older, others may signal something more serious. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely interventions, better management of symptoms, and improved quality of life for both the older adult and their family.

A few stats from World Health Organization and Alzheimer’s Disease International:

??Global Prevalence: Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. This number is projected to rise to 139 million by 2050, with the majority of new cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries

?Prevalence in the U.S.: Approximately 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024. This represents about 1 in 9 people in this age group. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 13 million

??Diagnosis Gap: In the U.S., about half of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are unaware they have the condition, often due to misattributing symptoms to normal aging

??Public Concerns and Misconceptions: Around 80% of the general public express concerns about developing dementia, but 62% of healthcare professionals mistakenly view dementia as a normal part of aging. This underscores the importance of education on early signs

??Global Economic Impact: Dementia costs the global economy approximately $1.3 trillion annually. If dementia were a country, it would rank as the 17th largest economy in the world. Informal caregiving accounts for nearly half of these costs

??Economic Burden: The total cost of dementia care in the U.S. in 2023 was estimated at $345 billion, including both healthcare expenses and lost productivity. This figure is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2050 without medical breakthroughs

World Health Organization (WHO) Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI)

Spotting the "Not-So-Normal" Signs

Here are some early symptoms that might seem subtle but could indicate the need for further evaluation:

1?? Frequent Memory Lapses

• Forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking the same questions.

2?? Difficulty Planning or Problem-Solving

• Struggling with tasks that used to come easily, like managing finances or following recipes.

3?? Disorientation with Time or Place

• Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting where they are—even in familiar settings.

4?? Trouble with Words

• Pausing mid-conversation or struggling to find the right word for everyday objects.

5?? Withdrawal from Social Activities

• Avoiding hobbies, work, or social events due to increased confusion or frustration.

6?? Changes in Mood or Personality

• Uncharacteristic mood swings, confusion, or suspicion of others.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching dementia in its early stages isn’t just about knowing—it’s about doing.

?? Early detection allows individuals and families to:

• Access treatments that may slow progression.
• Plan for the future with clarity.
• Build a support network and access resources sooner.

By understanding the signs, you can empower yourself and others to take control instead of waiting for a crisis.

Take Action Today

If these signs sound familiar in someone you care about—or even yourself—don’t wait.

?? Schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.

?? Start conversations with family members.

?? Explore caregiving solutions and supportive technologies.

Remember: Early detection can make all the difference.

Want to learn more about dementia and caregiving solutions? ??

Check out our 4 part series, “All About Dementia” for resources to help navigate this journey.

Questions? Please feel free to contact me.

Fear of Dementia Video Below.