As the population ages, so are occurrences of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates the memory-loss illness affects more than 6 million Americans in 2022. A major risk factor is age itself, with your risk of facing the disease doubling every five years after age 65. While many factors contribute, people can lessen the risk of memory loss with better physical, mental and emotional health. A significant indicator of the onset of dementia may be failure to remember things recently learned. Here are other early-warning symptoms to be aware of:

1. Losing things

While forgetting where things are occasionally is typical of old age and possible at any age, an early warning might be putting personal items (i.e., keys, wallet, medications, etc.) in unusual places and not remembering where they are at all. At worst, patients with dementia may accuse others of stealing the lost items.

2. Trouble performing everyday tasks

Managing budgets, keeping to a schedule, maintaining the home—everyone slips up from time to time. But noticeable lapses in managing daily life may indicate the onset of a cognitive-related illness.

3. Difficulty with sense of direction

Some people have a better sense of direction than others. But not being able to navigate places where you’ve lived for years, or frequently getting lost in familiar surroundings, are warning signs of serious memory loss. At worst, patients may wander without being aware of where they are.

4. Personality and behavior changes

Crankiness for some is synonymous with old age, as physical ailments and sleeplessness take their toll. But when a person who has been friendly and upbeat is suddenly suspicious and anxious, there may be more going on than a “get off my lawn” mindset. If the person senses their memory is fading, they may be reluctant to open up about it. Agitation and aggression, especially in a previously agreeable person, are sharp indicators of change.

5. Apathy and depression

Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities can indicate early warning symptoms of memory-loss disease. Lack of motivation to do regular chores, disinterest in talking to people and emotional detachment all are symptomatic. Damage to the frontal lobes of the brain may be the cause. While apathy is highly common as the illness progresses, it may take place within early onset in some cases. Depressive symptoms—such as persistent sadness or anxiety and feelings of hopelessness–may be connected to a memory-loss illness as well.

While scientists still are researching causes and looking for solutions, there is agreement that healthy lifestyle changes can lessen the likelihood of early onset memory loss. If you or a loved one show symptoms of dementia, please check with your family doctor and talk it through. Tests can be done to rule out other conditions, and then make the path clear for a treatment plan. Although no cure is yet available, medicines and lifestyle changes can slow progression and help manage the symptoms of cognitive decline.