The first noticeable symptom of dementia is often short-term memory loss. A person may repeat questions, forget recent conversations, or misplace items more often than before. Some people first notice trouble with planning, finding words, or keeping track of appointments. Early symptoms can be subtle, so you may notice the signs before your parent does. One isolated lapse does not prove dementia, but a pattern that affects daily life should be checked. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and rule out other treatable problems.