12 Early Signs of Dementia in Young Adults You Shouldn't Ignore

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Jan.16 - 2025 12:57 PM CET

Health
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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Dementia isn’t just an issue for the elderly.

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While dementia is often associated with older adults, it can also affect young adults.

Although rare, dementia can emerge in individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, profoundly impacting their lives.

Causes range from genetic factors to injuries or specific neurological conditions, but the result is often a gradual decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with daily life.

Identifying dementia in younger adults can be challenging since symptoms are often mistaken for stress, fatigue, or other common life issues.

However, paying close attention to behavioral changes or difficulties with everyday tasks can ensure timely support and treatment.

Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

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One of the most common symptoms of dementia in young adults is memory loss, particularly regarding new information or important dates.

This may result in repeatedly forgetting appointments or struggling to recall recent conversations, often leading to frustration and embarrassment.

Behavioral Changes

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As the disease progresses, significant behavioral shifts may occur, with individuals acting strangely or irrationally.

Examples include sudden outbursts of anger, lack of inhibitions, or unexplained fears that were not previously characteristic.

Social Withdrawal

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Pulling away from loved ones, work, or social settings is often an early sign that the condition is taking hold.

The individual may feel overwhelmed by social interactions or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Loss of Sense of Time and Place

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A gradual decline in the ability to keep track of time, locations, and daily routines is a hallmark of dementia.

This might manifest as getting lost in familiar environments or struggling to keep up with the day of the week.

Repetitive Behavior

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Repeating actions, such as incessantly clicking a pen, may signal underlying issues.

These behaviors could be an attempt to create a sense of stability amid growing confusion.

Suspicion and Isolation

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The individual might begin suspecting friends, family, or caregivers without cause, often leading to increased isolation.

These suspicions can involve accusations of theft, lying, or hidden agendas, which can strain relationships.

Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

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Struggles with familiar tasks or simple problem-solving, such as threading a needle or following a recipe, can be symptoms of early-onset dementia.

This may also extend to more complex tasks like managing finances or planning meals.

Problems with Clear Thinking and Communication

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Difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions, participating in conversations, or finding the right words are common signs.

This often results in frustration for both the affected individual and their loved ones, especially when misunderstandings arise.

Language Challenges

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Dementia often impacts speech and language, making it hard to find the right words, causing repetition, or leading to the use of inappropriate terms in conversations.

These difficulties can make communication increasingly challenging.

Mood Swings and Erratic Behavior

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Sudden mood changes and unpredictable behavior are signs of advanced stages of the disease.

This may range from extreme happiness to anger or sadness within minutes, leaving those around them bewildered.

Persistent Confusion

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Repeatedly asking the same questions or performing the same actions could indicate dementia.

For instance, someone may ask why they entered a room multiple times or forget why they started an activity, making everyday functioning increasingly difficult.

Progressive Worsening of Symptoms

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As dementia advances, memory loss, poor judgment, and confusion typically become more pronounced.

It often becomes harder for the person to recognize family and friends or find purpose in daily activities.