How severe are the early signs of dementia?

The early signs of dementia range from subtle to drastic, according to Healthline. Short-term memory loss, mood swings, difficulty communicating and general confusion are all early signs of dementia. There are 10 early signs of dementia.

Dementia is not a disease but rather a collection of symptoms caused by different diseases, according to Healthline. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia. Brain damage due to injury or illness can also cause dementia. Many of the early signs of dementia may have to do with old age, so an individual has to have at least two of the signs interfere with his normal daily life before qualifying for a dementia diagnosis.