What were the first dementia signs you noticed?

That’s where I am, too. I bite my tongue a hundred times a day because I know it’s the disease I’m mad at, not my dear husband.

Hi, my first red flag was my husband offering his alcoholic sister a glass of wine. Then he laughed upon hearing that his sister had to put her dog down (started having inappropriate reactions to information).
That stare someone else mentioned that just looked so vacant and emotion-less.
Also, my husband stopped doing things around the house and stopped outdoor chores like mowing. He now has to be asked to help out, no self-direction anymore and no higher-level executive functioning, and trouble figuring out what I think are simple tasks.
I know he's just going to get worse and my heart breaks for both of us.

Talk about timing! A few days ago, I drove my husband to where we used to live (3 hours one-way) for a lunch with all the guys who used to play racquetball with him. A few family members also showed up. Of course, lots of pictures were taken and that kind of vacant look in my husband's eyes (and in the eyes of one of his old friends who was sitting next to him, which makes me wonder if he's having trouble) was so obvious compared to the others in the picture. I'd never really been consciously aware of that before seeing it in a picture in comparison with others.

Wondering if anyone else is seeing this—my husband hums, sings a line or two of a song over and over, or simply babbles nonsense words when he is in the room with me, but now that it's nice weather, he sits on the porch in silence. I'm wondering if I make him anxious with my presence or if he thinks he should be communicating since there's another person present or …??? I know there's no point in asking him because he's probably not even aware that he's doing it, and I know he'll take it that I'm complaining about him humming, babbling, etc.

@trishaanderson I saw this dementia “mask face” as they call it, episodically years before we knew my husband was having silent strokes. Now after 7 strokes, including 2 bilateral last week, he has the blunted flat affect, apathy, disengagement, and void look, like nobody’s home, much more first thing in the morning and then later now with some sundowning. He has Vascular Parkinsonism. Like others mentioned, had always been meticulous with self care and extremely neat, so leaving drawers, closets open and the toilet seat up were clear signs as his short-term memory has declined. Always a math wiz and suddenly couldn’t figure a tip. His morning shave and evening shower started taking twice as long, and with these 2 strokes, he can’t do self-care, remember how to use his phone, other tasks. Looks at light switches like he has some sense of an old habit then leaves it on. Now becomes glass eyed and anxious as the sun goes down, afraid of the dark, childlike. He was a 3rd degree black belt, instrument rated pilot, and computer wizard. So tragically sad.

I saw many of these early signs everyone is mentioning but didn’t realize until more time passed. My husband has always been decisive and started having slower thought processes and less focus. Always a voracious reader then just stopped. Known for his lasagna, then overwhelmed following recipes or sequential tasks.

I saw this dementia “mask face” as they call it, episodically years before we knew my husband was having silent strokes. Now after 7 strokes, including 2 bilateral last week, he has the blunted flat affect, apathy, disengagement, and void look, like nobody’s home, much more first thing in the morning and then later now with some sundowning. He has Vascular Parkinsonism. Like others mentioned, had always been meticulous with self care and extremely neat, so leaving drawers, closets open and the toilet seat up were clear signs as his short-term memory has declined. Always a math wiz and suddenly couldn’t figure a tip. His morning shave and evening shower started taking twice as long, and with these 2 strokes, he can’t do self-care, remember how to use his phone, other tasks. Looks at light switches like he has some sense of an old habit then leaves it on. Now becomes glass eyed and anxious as the sun goes down, afraid of the dark, childlike. He was a 3rd degree black belt, instrument rated pilot, and computer wizard. So tragic to see this happening.

I have found out that neurologists like to always be in control of the visit. But I will try my best and ask questions and I feel that the Dr. tends to not really want to hear what is actually happening with my spouse. My feelings are not in the conversation, which is ok with me. I just feel if your Dr. is not informed about major things..how can they be of any help?? How can a person who is not truly in the moment be able to answer or ask questions. He will always say "I am fine". It usually is not the case at all. He just wants to leave. It should be a family and of course always the patient to have or be part of an informed visit. Healthcare is not what it used to be! Empathy and compassion seem to be absent. Sad and I know why. Money is only made if they see more patient's. The only physician that shows empathy is our Internist. Kind, asks how you are and what is bothering you, etc.

I noticed my mother’s decline before other family members only because I paid attention to the pattern not single instances that we could excuse. My mother was an avid shopper. When she could not find the mall it was significant.

Two things alerted me.
1-Family members said I was repeating myself when talking to them.
2- Then after a brain scan for a long-time and benign Meningiona, the Brain doctor alerted me and my Neurologist that there are signs of dementia. (????)
Apparently I'm at the beginning stage. With the exception of being repetative and forgetting, I seem to have no other symptons as of yet. At this point I'm not sure of the difference between being 80 and early Dmentia. Any suggestions?

I had a fall. Had a MRI to insure there was no bled in the brain. Detected an amyloid, had no clue what that was. Referred to a neurologist. More test found I have MCI. I had no idea that I may/may not have been repeating myself and said or done other things, I didn't ask. I too am 80. A proud octogenarian who feels great, eats generally well and enjoys a healthy somewhat Godly life. I have a great neurologist that I see every 6 months that can track what is my normal. I intend to continue to enjoy the remaining life God has for me and not be concerned with dementia. Rest assure there will be much advise for you to take meds for the brain to delay dementia and that will be up to you to decide but listen to your doctor. My doctor advises that the over the counter ones do NOTHING to delay dementia. It's best to eat a healthy diet for the brain. My best to you as you begin a new path in this journey of life.