Signs of Early Dementia and Treatment Options
Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to nearly double every 20 years. As one of the most pressing health concerns of our time, dementia doesn’t just impact memory—it affects independence, relationships, and overall quality of life. But here’s what many don’t realize: early detection can make a life-changing difference.
What Is Early Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease—it’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions characterized by progressive cognitive decline that interferes with a person’s ability to think, remember, communicate, and make decisions. Early dementia refers to the initial phase of this decline, where symptoms are present but often subtle. This stage is also sometimes referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) when the impact on daily function is still limited.
There are several types of dementia, each with its own unique characteristics, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form, often marked by short-term memory loss and disorientation
- Vascular dementia – linked to reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or chronic cardiovascular issues
- Lewy body dementia – may involve hallucinations, movement changes, and sleep disturbances
- Frontotemporal dementia – often affects personality, behavior, and language more than memory early on
One of the biggest challenges with early dementia is that the signs are frequently overlooked or misattributed. A person may seem more forgetful, less organized, or socially withdrawn. Family members might chalk it up to “normal aging” or stress, and many individuals dismiss their own symptoms as being too minor to matter.
Common Signs of Early Dementia
Early dementia symptoms often develop slowly and may be dismissed as typical aging. However, consistent patterns of cognitive change—especially when they interfere with daily life—should not be ignored. Recognizing the signs early allows for timely evaluation, root-cause investigation, and therapeutic intervention.
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but repeating the same questions, forgetting recent conversations, or frequently misplacing important items may signal early dementia. These memory gaps affect day-to-day activities and often cause concern for loved ones before the individual notices themselves.
Difficulty with Planning and Problem-Solving
A person in the early stages of dementia may find it harder to manage numbers, follow a recipe, or juggle bills and appointments. Tasks that once seemed routine—like preparing a meal or coordinating a schedule—can become confusing or overwhelming.
Confusion About Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time is a common early sign. Some individuals may forget where they are or how they got there, even in familiar settings. This kind of disorientation is more than simple absentmindedness—it reflects deeper processing issues in the brain.
Changes in Vision or Spatial Awareness
Early dementia can affect the brain’s visual and spatial processing centers, leading to difficulty judging distance, reading, or recognizing faces and objects. These changes can contribute to balance problems, navigation issues, and a greater risk of falls or accidents.
Trouble with Words and Communication
People experiencing early dementia may struggle to find the right words, repeat themselves frequently, or lose their train of thought mid-conversation. They might stop in the middle of a sentence and not know how to continue, or call objects by the wrong name. These language difficulties can lead to frustration and avoidance of social interaction.
Misplacing Things and Retracing Problems
A telltale sign of early dementia is putting things in unusual places—like storing a phone in the refrigerator or keys in a shoe. When they can’t find the item later, individuals may accuse others of stealing. This reflects not just forgetfulness, but changes in memory and reasoning that interfere with logical thinking and problem-solving.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
Those in the early stages may begin to withdraw from hobbies, work tasks, or social gatherings they once enjoyed. They might feel overwhelmed by conversation, struggle to follow group discussions, or lose confidence in their ability to keep up. This can lead to isolation, which further accelerates cognitive decline.
Mood or Personality Changes
Early dementia can alter mood and personality in subtle but impactful ways. You may notice a loved one becoming anxious, suspicious, irritable, or depressed. Others may lose interest in previously meaningful activities or appear more passive or apathetic. These changes are not just emotional—they often reflect shifts in brain chemistry and function.
How Is Early Dementia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing early dementia requires more than a brief memory quiz. At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we believe in taking a comprehensive, personalized approach that examines not only cognitive function but the deeper biological imbalances that may be driving it.
Cognitive Screening Tools
Initial evaluation often begins with cognitive screening tools, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). These tools help identify early deficits in memory, attention, language, and executive function. While helpful, screenings are only the starting point in a deeper investigation.
In-Depth Neurocognitive Evaluations
For a more detailed picture, we conduct or refer for neurocognitive testing, which assesses multiple aspects of brain function, including memory recall, processing speed, verbal fluency, visual-spatial skills, and attention. These tests help differentiate between types of dementia and track changes over time.
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
To understand why cognitive decline is occurring, we use functional medicine lab testing to uncover hidden contributors, such as:
- Inflammation and oxidative stress markers
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones)
- Nutrient deficiencies (B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium)
- Toxic burden (heavy metals, mold, pesticides)
- Chronic infections (e.g., Lyme disease, viral load, gut dysbiosis)
Imaging or Genetic Testing (If Needed)
In some cases, we may recommend MRI or CT imaging to rule out structural issues like stroke, tumors, or significant brain atrophy. For patients interested in prevention or with a family history of dementia, we may also explore genetic testing, such as APOE genotype, to better understand their individual risk and guide proactive care.
Treatment Options: A Functional Medicine Approach
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we treat early dementia not as a fixed diagnosis, but as a dynamic, multifactorial condition that can often be slowed—or even reversed—with the right tools. Functional medicine focuses on root-cause resolution, using science-backed, personalized strategies to restore optimal brain health.
Root-Cause Testing
We begin with advanced testing to uncover hidden, modifiable contributors to cognitive decline. This may include:
- Chronic infections (e.g., Lyme disease, EBV)
- Toxic load (mold exposure, heavy metals)
- Insulin resistance or blood sugar instability
- Inflammatory markers and oxidative stress profiles
Brain-Boosting Nutrition
Nutrition is a cornerstone of cognitive healing. Our plans are anti-inflammatory and brain-supportive, often incorporating:
- Healthy fats (omega-3s, olive oil, avocado)
- Colorful produce and polyphenols to reduce oxidative stress
- Fasting strategies (e.g., time-restricted eating) to promote brain repair
- Elimination of food triggers or allergens contributing to gut-brain inflammation
Supplementation
We use targeted, therapeutic supplements to support:
- Mitochondrial health (CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, B-vitamins)
- Neuroprotection (phosphatidylserine, ginkgo, lion’s mane)
- Detoxification pathways (glutathione, NAC, binders)
- Memory support through key micronutrients and adaptogens
Detox and Gut Healing
Toxins and gut dysfunction often play an underrecognized role in dementia. We address:
- Mycotoxins and heavy metals using gentle detox protocols
- Leaky gut and microbiome imbalances with probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients
- Liver support to enhance natural detoxification
Hormone and Blood Sugar Balance
Imbalances in hormones and glucose can significantly impair brain performance. We support:
- Thyroid and adrenal health for energy and focus
- Sex hormone optimization to protect brain volume and neurotransmitters
- Stable blood sugar to avoid energy crashes and cognitive fog
Sleep, Stress, and Brain Exercise
Healing the brain requires rest and stimulation. We offer strategies for:
- Improving sleep quality and circadian rhythm alignment
- Mindfulness and nervous system regulation
- Movement and neuroplasticity tools (like brain games, balance training, and dance) to rewire and strengthen neural pathways
Faith and Emotional Resilience
We believe spiritual health and emotional wellbeing are foundational to healing. Our care includes:
- Acknowledging the role of faith, purpose, and joy
- Encouraging reflection, prayer, or journaling practices
- Supporting mindset shifts and emotional release to foster resilience
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
A diagnosis—or even suspicion—of early dementia can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember: early dementia does not have to lead to inevitable decline. With timely action and a personalized, root-cause approach, it’s possible to slow, stabilize, or even reverse cognitive changes.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we believe that your brain can heal when given the right support. Through functional medicine, we help uncover what’s driving the decline and guide you through evidence-informed strategies to restore clarity, memory, and vitality.
Don’t wait until symptoms progress. If you or a loved one is experiencing early signs of cognitive change, now is the time to act.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Cynthia Libert Today
Contact Information:
📍 Caring for the Body, PLLC
1998 Hendersonville Rd, Suite #24
Asheville, NC 28803
📞 (828) 490-1545
📧 help@caringforthebody.org
🌐 www.caringforthebody.org