Whether you're worried about yourself or someone around you, it's important to know the warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis.
Early diagnosis of dementia can lead to better treatment of the disease, doctors warn, so it is extremely important to notice and recognize the symptoms in time.

"It is estimated that around 55 million people worldwide currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia, and it is estimated that by 2030 this number will increase to 78 million and by 2050 to 139 million people," he says. Dr. Andrew Budson, endocrinologist.

"There simply aren't enough neurologists, psychiatrists and neuropsychologists to be able to diagnose all the people suffering from cognitive decline and dementia. General practitioners will have to take the lead in this matter," he adds.

These are the most common signs of dementia to remember and watch for, and are highlighted by doctors.

Memory loss

While some form of memory loss, such as looking for car keys, is not a panic signal, dramatic changes in memory can be a symptom of dementia.
"It is important for me to know this when I want to reach a diagnosis. In doing so, I always ask if there have been major changes in memory and thinking? Have there been changes that make the person no longer feel well?'' states Samantha Holden, MD.

Confusion

This is one of the early symptoms of dementia and may not appear first. "Feeling confused is a common problem in people over 65. The decline in normal cognitive activities can be acute or chronic and progressive. In older people, it can also be a symptom of delirium or dementia, although it can also be associated with psychoses and disorders such as major depression," states the pages of "American Family Physician," and these are the results of medical research.

Impaired judgment

Do you, or someone you know, not recognize something that could endanger health and safety?
From time to time, people may make questionable decisions such as delaying a doctor's visit when they are not feeling well. However, a person with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making, such as not recognizing a medical problem that requires attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.

Sleep problems

Sleep disturbance is closely linked to dementia, and some will experience these symptoms for many years before being diagnosed.
"We can diagnose problems by observing the quality of a person's sleep. There is a high chance of developing dementia with Lewy bodies, which is a chronic cognitive decline and is the third most common dementia. It usually occurs in people over 60 years old, or with Parkinson's disease," explained neurologist James Leverent.
"Usually when I have a patient and that's exactly what I'm asking them – if they're having trouble sleeping, often the person's partner will say they've had it for several years," he adds.

Hallucinations

Dementia can cause a person to see things that are not nearby, doctors warn. Dr. Leverent adds that it becomes a problem when the person begins to believe that the hallucinations are real, and that the problem must be addressed if the person thinks they have to call the police to solve the matter, or if they are so scared they can't sleep.

What `s so funny?

Loss of the ability to understand a joke can be one of the early symptoms of dementia.
"If you notice that your sense of humor has changed in a big way, it may be time to see a doctor for advice as well as treatment," advises Dr. Katie Putseckering, an Alzheimer's consultant.