Visual Clues That Tell If Someone Has Dementia

Several strong visual clues can indicate that someone may have dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. For example, a person with dementia may have changes in the way they walk or move and/or their facial expressions may seem inappropriate in some situations.

Keep in mind that other conditions can also cause these indicators, which can also vary greatly by what's normal for the individual.

This article discusses some of the visual clues you might notice in a person who is developing dementia. It also offers some advice on what you should do if you suspect a loved one may be showing signs of dementia.

Confused Facial Expression on a woman
triffitt/ Getty Images

Personal Hygiene

As routines are disrupted by memory difficulties, a lack of personal hygiene is often one of the first indications that someone is having major problems.

Previously clean and tidy individuals may begin to look unkempt. Problems with poor toileting habits, bathing, and incontinence may cause staining and odors. Appearance, previously important, may gradually lose meaning.

Dress

When someone with dementia dresses without assistance, they can struggle with putting clothes on in the wrong order, choosing clothes that go well together, and wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the weather.

Some people will attempt to wear the same clothing every day because they've forgotten that they wore it the last three days in a row. A person with dementia may also not notice stains or odors on clothing.

Gait and Motor Activity

Different types of dementia can affect gait and posture. You may observe this as hesitant steps, difficulty with visuospatial tasks such as going up and down stairs, or challenges with balance. As dementia progresses into the later stages, the majority of the person's functioning declines.

You may also see decreased physical movement due to apathy, or increased movement such as frequent wandering and restlessness.

Facial Expression

Facial expression in people with dementia may be affected, even in the earlier stages. The person's facial expression may be inappropriate to the situation at times, such as laughing in a serious or sad time or sudden tearfulness when there doesn't seem to be any trigger. People with dementia may also reflect feelings of anxiety, depression, agitation, bewilderment, or a lack of feelings.

People caring for someone with Lewy body dementia—a type of dementia caused by deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies—often describe the affected person as having a "blank stare."

What to Do if You're Concerned

Remember that these visual signs are only one aspect of the person, and they may be related to other conditions. Additionally, some people with dementia initially demonstrate very few of these visual clues, causing surprise when they're diagnosed with dementia because "they look so healthy."

If you're worried that someone has dementia, review the 10 warning signs of dementia (e.g., memory loss, withdrawal from activities, confusion with time or place, etc.) and make an appointment with a physician for an evaluation. While this may be an anxiety-provoking step to take, a healthcare provider's assessment can also help by identifying reversible causes of confusion or diagnosing dementia and beginning treatment as early as possible.

Summary

A person with dementia may show subtle visual signs of the condition. For example, they may seem to stop caring about hygiene and personal appearance, and they may struggle with dressing themselves. Changes in gait or posture and facial expressions that sometimes seem inappropriate are other signs of dementia.

If you're concerned that a loved one may be developing dementia, make an appointment with their healthcare provider. 

5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Christine Kennard
 Christine Kennard is a psychiatric nurse practicing in the United Kingdom and co-author of "Alzheimer's Disease: An A-Z For New Caregivers."