Many people in the early stages of dementia will find themselves withdrawing from their usual activities. This may include: loss of interest in previous hobbies, not attending any parties or family events, no longer attempting to follow games and group discussions.
However, despite these behaviors seeming like depression at first glance, they can also be considered reactions to stress from cognitive impairment.
Mood or personality changes
Occasionally, one of the symptoms of early-stage dementia is a change in the “way a person acts.” These signs can include: experiencing fearfulness, suspicion, or paranoia, swinging between moods quickly or becoming easily irritable, or displaying uncharacteristic fears and/or agitation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the way dementia affects the brain can fundamentally change how a person regulates their emotions and personality.