For many families, the early signs of dementia can be difficult to distinguish from what’s often considered normal aging. Forgetfulness, mood changes, or difficulty with everyday tasks may be brushed off as part of getting older. But according to a new global study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the average delay between the first symptoms of dementia and an official diagnosis is 3.5 years. This finding sheds light on a critical gap in timely dementia diagnosis and highlights the importance of distinguishing between typical aging and early cognitive decline.

The study, which compiled data from 13 research efforts across the United States, Europe, Australia, and China, analyzed information from over 30,000 participants. Researchers found that for individuals with early-onset dementia—diagnosed before age 65—the average time to diagnosis was even longer, stretching to 4.1 years. These delays can have significant implications for treatment, care planning, and quality of life.

One of the key reasons dementia symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging is their gradual onset. As Dr. Amit Sachdev, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, explains, dementia symptoms are progressive and subtle in the early stages. “Some memory loss is common as you get older,” he notes, adding that this can make it difficult to determine when forgetfulness crosses the line into something more serious.

Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, points out that the situation is especially complex for younger individuals. “People with memory loss who are not old usually don’t think about seeing a neurologist,” he says. This mindset, combined with a shortage of neurologists and the tendency for younger adults to consult primary care physicians instead, contributes to the longer delay in diagnosing early-onset dementia.

I found this detail striking: the study highlights frontotemporal dementia as particularly prone to delayed diagnosis. This type of dementia, which tends to affect younger individuals, often presents with changes in personality, behavior, or language—symptoms that can be misattributed to stress, mental health issues, or other non-neurological causes. Because these changes don’t always involve memory loss, they may not immediately raise red flags for dementia.

Recognizing the difference between typical aging and early signs of dementia can be challenging but crucial. According to Dr. Sachdev, early indicators might include forgetfulness that disrupts daily life, unexplained mood shifts, difficulty navigating familiar environments, missing important payments, or trouble managing finances. These symptoms can be subtle at first, but their impact on daily functioning is what sets them apart from normal aging.

Dr. Segil emphasizes that any sudden onset of cognitive changes—especially in younger adults—should prompt a visit to a neurologist. “If you have acute onset cognitive changes as a young adult with new changes in personality, mood, and behavior or with changes in your ability to talk or understand, go find a neurologist and ask them to evaluate you for young onset dementia,” he advises.

Timely diagnosis of dementia is important not only for managing symptoms but also for planning the future. Knowing what’s happening allows individuals and their families to access appropriate resources, explore treatment options, and make informed decisions about care. It can also provide clarity and relief after a period of uncertainty.

That said, it’s worth noting that memory loss and cognitive issues can stem from a wide range of causes—not all of them related to dementia. Conditions such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and even medication side effects can mimic dementia symptoms. This is why a thorough neurological evaluation is essential. As Dr. Segil points out, you won’t know the cause until you get checked out.

In light of this new research, awareness becomes a powerful tool. Understanding that dementia can take years to diagnose—and that symptoms can look different depending on age and type—helps individuals and families advocate for timely medical attention. It also underscores the need for increased access to neurologists and better training for primary care providers in recognizing early cognitive decline.

Ultimately, this study offers a clearer picture of the diagnostic journey many people face and serves as a reminder that cognitive changes should never be dismissed too quickly. Whether it’s a loved one forgetting appointments or a young adult experiencing personality shifts, taking those signs seriously and seeking expert evaluation can make a meaningful difference.

Read more at womenshealthmag.com