What Are the Benefits of Early Dementia Detection? 

By Camille Ciarametaro, Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Lexington 

When I began working with older adults many years ago, I knew I had found the work I was meant to do. I have always had deep respect for seniors, especially those navigating memory loss. Many people in my own family lived with dementia, so this field has always felt personal to me. 

Now, in my role at Bridges by EPOCH, I walk alongside loved ones trying to make sense of early changes. I hear the questions, the fears, the guilt, and the confusion. I also see something else, something that feels counterintuitive: relief. 

I see the relief that comes when people realize they do not need to wait for a crisis to start talking about what they’re noticing. 

That is why I encourage people to start the conversation early. It is not an emergency, and it does not mean there is no hope. It simply means you are paying attention and planning ahead.  

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia? 

Many families ask how to tell the difference between normal ageing and something more concerning. Occasional forgetfulness is expected as we get older, but dementia affects daily life in more noticeable ways.  

Early changes often appear gradually, and recognizing them helps you start the conversation sooner and with more confidence. 

Common early warning signs include: 

• Short-term memory issues 
• Difficulty finding words 
• Confusion in familiar places 
• Trouble keeping track of appointments or routines 
• Struggling with familiar tasks 
• Difficulty following conversations or instructions 
• Repetition in speech or behavior 
• Mood or personality changes 
• Withdrawal from hobbies or social activities 
• Changes in gait or spatial awareness 
• Difficulty adapting to changes in routine 

Seeing one sign on its own does not mean dementia is present. But when several changes appear together, or when everyday life becomes harder than it used to be, it’s time to pay closer attention. 

When Should You Start Paying Attention to These Changes? 

Families often tell me they feel unsure about whether what they’re seeing is normal ageing. That uncertainty is common. We all misplace our keys or forget a name from time to time. What matters is whether the changes begin to disrupt daily routines or cause noticeable frustration or confusion. 

Sometimes it’s the person themselves who speaks up first. I often meet individuals who say, “I can just feel something is off.” That alone is enough to start a conversation with a doctor or a memory care professional. 

You don’t need a diagnosis to seek answers. You don’t need a crisis to begin planning. Paying attention early simply gives you more time, more clarity, and more options. 

How Do Early Signs of Dementia Compare to Normal Aging?

This is a table we put together for guidance. There are generalizations here. Always remember, if you’re concerned. It is best to speak to a doctor.  

How Does Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Relate to Dementia? 

MCI is a stage between normal ageing and dementia. You may notice more forgetfulness or trouble focusing, but you can still live independently. MCI does not mean you will develop dementia.  

I know these labels can be confusing for loved ones. Basically, MCI can only be diagnosed by a doctor. It means you are showing measurable cognitive changes (which may appear on the ‘early warning signs of dementia’ list we share here), but you can still manage your daily life on your own. 

It tells you to pay attention, check in with a doctor, and build healthy habits that support your brain. 

Did you know? 
About 10 to 15 percent of people with MCI develop dementia each year, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Early monitoring helps you understand what is changing and what is not. 

What Should You Do If These Early Warning Signs Sound Familiar? 

If more than one symptom of early dementia feels familiar, consider taking the next step now rather than waiting for a crisis.

You can:

• Write down what you are noticing 
• Speak with your primary care doctor 
• Request a memory screening 
• Reach out to a memory care professional for guidance 

What Are the Benefits of Early Detection of Dementia? 

A diagnosis can feel heavy, but early understanding often brings clarity and time. Many families tell me that once they knew what was happening, they could stop guessing and stop blaming themselves. That clarity opens the door to planning. 

Early detection also allows: 

• Time to understand treatment options 
• Time to discuss wishes for the future 
• Time to involve the person in decisions 
• Time to reduce risk through healthier routines 
• Time to explore support and education 

When you recognize symptoms early, families can work together from a place of calm rather than fear and panic. 

Here is a short video that explains more:

What Risks Come with Waiting too Long? 

I have seen how waiting can create distress. Some families reach out only after a fall, wandering, or another safety concern. Others wait until caregiving becomes overwhelming.  

When this happens, decisions often need to be made quickly, during a moment that already feels painful or frightening. 

Starting early does not mean rushing to conclusions and decisions. It means giving yourself time, choice, and support before things become harder. 

What Does a Thoughtful Transition into Memory Care Look Like? 

Every person who moves to memory care has a different story. I want to share one that shows the value of starting early. 

A woman visited our community after she and her daughter began noticing small changes. Nothing felt urgent, but something felt different. She received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, and they took time to understand what it meant.  

They visited us now and then. She joined a few activities. She became familiar with our team and felt comfortable here. 

When she eventually chose to move in, she was ready. She had helped decorate her room. She knew the faces around her. On her first day, she joined an art class she had been looking forward to. 

That transition worked so well because the family had time. They knew they had made the decision together. 

Read more about transitions to memory care with insights from Kevin Defayette, Executive Director at Bridges Hingham.

How Do We Support Loved Ones at Bridges? 

Memory care is not only about the person with the diagnosis. It is also about the daughters balancing work and caregiving, the spouses learning how to adjust, and the extended family trying to help. 

At Bridges® by EPOCH, we support loved ones as much as we support residents.

Our support includes: 

• In-person caregiver support groups 
• Virtual support groups 
• Monthly educational sessions 
• Guidance from dementia specialists 
• A caregiver-focused philosophy that recognizes you are part of the care circle

These spaces offer connection, information, and reassurance. Families often tell us it is the first time they have felt understood. Dementia is hard, but getting support isn’t, so feel free to contact us or join one of our sessions. 

Who Can You Talk to if You Have Concerns? 

If you’ve noticed changes or even just have a feeling that something’s different, I hope you’ll reach out to a medical professional. I also hope you’ll consider having a conversation with the team at Bridges®.   

Getting an early diagnosis benefits everybody involved.  

That’s not to scare you by saying it’s urgent or an emergency; I don’t know the intricacies of your circumstances, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution anyway.   

Instead, I encourage you to start a conversation because taking that step now might just give you and your family more time, more choices, and more peace of mind. These are the critical benefits of early detection of dementia.  

Let’s talk, when you’re ready. Whether Bridges is your next step or not, we’re here to help.