Symptoms of Early Dementia

Dementia, which is also called senility, is not a specific disease, but it is a set of symptoms that affect the different parts of your brain. Causes of dementia include infectious diseases, vascular and neurological disorders and certain types of medication. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, early symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness and difficulty speaking.

Depression

• Depression is an early symptom of dementia that may result in social withdrawal, loss of interest in sex and changes in appetite.

Disorientation

• Disorientation about physical location and time of day are early symptoms of dementia that may affect the individual's ability to drive and run basic errands.

Disruptive Behavior

• Disruptive behaviors such as becoming belligerent, arguing about mundane topics such as the weather or cussing in inappropriate social situations are early symptoms of dementia.

Forgetfulness

• Forgetting that a burner on the stove top is turned, that the engine of your car is on or an established date like a spouse's birthday are early symptoms of dementia.

Language Problems

• Language problems such as using the wrong word, not being able to speak coherently and not understanding the speech of others are early dementia symptoms.

Mood Changes

• Early dementia may cause mood changes such as becoming irritable or easily angered, avoiding contact with others, or becoming suspicious of close family members and friends.