Dr Nakamura: What Dementia Looks Like Before Memory Loss Starts. How Dementia Actually Starts

May 29, 2026

Something may already be changing in someone you love — and it may not look like memory loss at all. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura explains the subtle early signs of dementia that families often overlook for years. From personality shifts and emotional withdrawal to poor judgment, language struggles, sleep disturbances, and changes in behavior, this video reveals what cognitive decline can actually look like before obvious memory problems begin. You’ll also learn about medical conditions that can mimic dementia — including vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, depression, medication side effects, sleep apnea, and more — and why early evaluation can make an enormous difference. If someone you care about “just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore,” this video will help you understand what to watch for, how to respond compassionately, and why waiting can sometimes do more harm than good. 🧠 Topics covered in this video: • The 10 early warning signs of dementia • Why memory loss is not always the first symptom • Personality and behavior changes that matter • How judgment and decision-making begin to change • The connection between sleep, smell, movement, and brain health • Conditions that can look like dementia but are treatable • What families should do when they notice subtle changes • How to approach a loved one with dignity and care ⏱

Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Signs Families Miss 01:50 The Biggest Misconceptions About Dementia 03:53 Early Sign #1 — Personality Changes 05:31 Early Sign #2 — Poor Judgment & Risky Decisions 06:32 Early Sign #3 — Trouble Planning Familiar Tasks 07:37 Early Sign #4 — Mood Changes, Anxiety & Depression 09:20 Early Sign #5 — Language & Conversation Difficulties 10:27 Early Sign #6 — Smell, Sleep & Movement Changes 11:26 Early Sign #7 — Getting Lost & Losing Sense of Time 12:04 Early Sign #8 — Repetition Without Awareness 12:55 Early Sign #9 — Hygiene & Home Neglect 13:41 Early Sign #10 — The “This Isn’t Like Them” Feeling 15:14 Treatable Conditions That Mimic Dementia 17:56 Eleanor’s Story: Why Early Evaluation Matters 19:54 How Families Should Respond Compassionately 21:17 Why Early Action Can Change Everything 22:16 Final Thoughts & Closing Message

How this was made

Made with AI

Sounds or visuals were altered or fully generated. Learn more

Unknown's avatar

About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a comment