Difficulty Dressing as an Early Sign
Have you noticed someone close to you struggling to put on clothes they have worn a hundred times before? This kind of trouble with dressing can be one of the first quiet signals of dementia, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Tasks that feel automatic, like buttoning a shirt or choosing weather-appropriate outfits, start to feel confusing and overwhelming.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the brain changes make it hard to handle everyday routines. A person might forget how to fasten buttons, mix up which shoe goes on which foot, or pick clothes that do not match the season. These are not just forgetful moments. They point to deeper issues with planning and sequencing steps in familiar activities. For instance, someone who always dressed neatly might suddenly wear pajamas to the store or skip layers on a cold day.
This sign shows up because dementia affects the parts of the brain that control judgment and daily skills. People may neglect grooming too, like forgetting to zip up or change out of soiled clothes. It is different from normal aging, where everyone has off days now and then. In dementia, these struggles happen more often and get worse over time.
Vascular dementia, another common type, can bring similar problems. It often starts with trouble following instructions or doing simple tasks that used to be easy. Over time, help is needed with dressing, bathing, and other basics. Spotting this early matters because it can lead to quicker medical checks and support.
Family members often see it first. A loved one might take much longer to get ready or ask for help with something simple. They could get frustrated or upset when clothes do not cooperate. These changes signal it is time to talk to a doctor for tests and advice.
Watching for patterns helps. If dressing issues pair with other clues, like confusion about time or poor money choices, it strengthens the case for dementia. Early awareness opens doors to treatments that slow things down and keep independence longer.
Sources
https://int.livhospital.com/10-signs-of-alzheimer-crucial-early-symptoms-revealed/
https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/vascular-dementia/symptoms/
https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/resources/dementia-and-memory-care/is-it-time-for-memory-care
https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-california/services/neurology/neurological-conditions/dementia/signs-symptoms
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/worried-about-memory-problems/do-i-have-dementia-signs
